Mich. officials: Flood is ‘truly devastating’

MIDLAND, Mich. — It could be days before the full scope of damage from flooding in Central Michigan that submerged houses, washed out roads and threatened a Superfund site is apparent, authorities warned Thursday, as Gov. Gretchen Whitmer expressed hope the president will soon sign a federal emergency declaration.

Some of the floodwaters from heavy rains that overtook two dams retreated, but much remained underwater, including in Midland, the headquarters of Dow Chemical Co. And floodwaters continued to threaten downstream communities.

“The damage is truly devastating to see how high the water levels are, to see roofs barely visible in parts of Midland, and to see a lake that has been drained in another part,” said Whitmer, who toured Midland County on Wednesday.

The flooding forced about 11,000 people to evacuate their homes in the Midland area, about 140 miles north of Detroit, following what the National Weath+er Service called “catastrophic dam failures” at the Edenville Dam, about 20 miles northwest of Midland, and the Sanford Dam, some 9 miles northwest of the city.

Whitmer said she spoke briefly with President Donald Trump on Wednesday and that her office had been in contact with the Federal Emergency Management Agency about securing federal aid for the area.

She said she hoped he would sign a federal emergency declaration during his visit to a Ford manufacturing plant in Michigan on Thursday. She said he asked about casualties and damage.

“He did say, ‘If I get an opportunity to go to Midland, would you consider joining me,’” said Whitmer. “I said, ‘Of course I would.’”

No flood-related deaths or injuries have been reported.