They are working to restore basic services that freeze a neighborhood, where frozen water complicates assistance and evacuation.
A water pipe collapsed in southwest Detroit, causing floods and displacing hundreds of residents. Authorities are working on the restoration of the service while continuing with assistance and repair efforts in the affected area.
Detroit is facing an emergency situation due to the rupture of a 1.37-meter water transmission pipe, which has caused serious floods in several streets and residential neighborhoods. The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) reported that the incident occurred early on Monday, February 17, three days ago, leaving hundreds of people without heating and electricity amid sub-zero temperatures according to AP News.
They estimate that 400 homes were affected by the water overflow, with flooded basements and considerable structural damage. Emergency teams rescued more than 90 people on the same Monday, some of them using rubber rafts due to the water level. Authorities set up temporary shelters for displaced residents.
The temperature in the city dropped to -17 degrees Celsius early on Monday, complicating the recovery and repair efforts of the pipe that freezes a neighborhood. Although the cause of the rupture is still under investigation, they suggest that a combination of aging infrastructure and extreme cold may have contributed to the collapse according to NBC News.
How does the pipe rupture impact Detroit?
The pipe was built in 1930, causing an overflow of water reaching 1.5 meters on some streets. They report that at least 72 homes were left without electricity, 190 suffered basement floods, and 174 lost heating. To assist those affected, they offer temporary accommodation in hotels and cover the costs of food and essential repairs for the affected.
What are the causes and consequences of freezing a neighborhood?
The incident occurred amid extremely low temperatures and freezing a neighborhood, which hindered the repair and evacuation efforts. Authorities indicated that the rupture could have been caused by a combination of aging infrastructure and low temperatures. Specialized teams have worked to drain the water and contain the damage in the city’s supply network.
John Roach, city spokesperson, explained that the exact cause of the rupture has not yet been determined, although extreme cold and the age of the pipe are key factors in the investigation, according.
How is the recovery progressing and what assistance have the affected received?
A team of 80 municipal workers and volunteers are assessing the damages in the affected homes and providing assistance to residents. According to DWSD, of the 110 homes visited by Wednesday, February 19, only 10 did not have basement floods according to ClickOnDetroit.
Authorities requested water boiling for 50 homes as a precautionary measure while tests are carried out to detect the possible presence of bacteria in the supply. The city set up an emergency line for residents to request free transport through the Uber app to commute to their workplaces and make essential purchases.
Repair works include replacing a 3.7-meter pipe section, which has already been ordered and is expected to arrive in the coming hours. The total restoration of the water service is estimated to take six weeks.
Freezes a neighborhood of affected homes and vehicles
The floods caused damage to vehicles, many of which were covered by water and subsequently frozen due to the low temperatures. Residents reported that the water entered basements and affected appliances, tools, and other stored goods.
The Detroit City Council has confirmed that they will take care of the repair of uninsured boilers and water heaters, as well as the cleaning of affected basements. Authorities have also announced that damaged vehicles will be transported at no cost to a municipal facility and that towing fees will be waived.
What are the next steps in the recovery?
On Thursday, February 20, the cleaning of the less affected homes will begin, and response teams have been trained to carry out these tasks swiftly, with progress expected in the coming days according to The Detroit News.
Safety inspections will continue to ensure that homes are habitable and that there are no health risks due to stagnant water. Local authorities have urged residents to stay informed and report any issues to the city’s emergency line.
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