TEMPORARY DAM COLLAPSES NEAR CAIRO - Over Thirty Families Evacuate

(05/23/2001)

A temporary diversion dam at the new Hughes River Dam site gave way Tuesday, causing 25 families to be evacuated along a 13-mile stretch between North Bend State Park and the Town of Cairo in Ritchie County. More than six inches of rain in five days caused the earthen and rock-filled dam to collapse. Cairo's Mayor Gary Haugh said eight families in the town sought shelter when water flooded low-lying areas. Cairo residents have long experienced flooding problems, much of which will be controlled by the new 305-acre Hughes River Dam. It is expected to be in operation later this year. Mayor Haugh said Tuesday's flooding was "Nothing like we had last time."

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