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Thousands Evacuated as Flooding Worsens in Michigan

VOA News

   Thousands of residents were evacuated Wednesday in Midland, Michigan,
   and the surrounding area after two dams failed following several days
   of rain, causing severe flooding.

   On Tuesday, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of
   emergency in the area and urged residents to move to safety.

   The National Weather Service said the Tittabawassee River's current
   water levels exceeded the 1986 record of 33.8 feet (10.3 meters). The
   NWS expects the river to crest at 38 feet (10.3 meters) by Wednesday
   evening.

   "In the next 12 to 15 hours, downtown Midland could be under
   approximately 9 feet (2.7 meters) of water," Whitmer said in a press
   briefing Tuesday, calling the flooding "historic" and
   "life-threatening."

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