'There is still a lot to do' in the flood recovery process

MANAWA (NBC 26) — Manawa continues to find its footing after a turbulent Friday marked by extreme weather that dumped more than 5 inches of rain on the city.

• Manawa Fire Chief and Public Works Director Josh Smith says there is “still a lot to do”
• Some neighbors say their basements remain flooded
• Smith said Lindsay Athletic Park was under 4 to 6 feet of water Friday
• Smith provided an update on the wastewater treatment plant, the Manawa Dam, the local retirement home and next steps for the town.

(The following is a transcript of the entire broadcast report, with additional details for the web)

In an exclusive interview with NBC 26, Manawa Fire Chief and Public Works Director Josh Smith said there is “still a lot to do” as the town recovers from damage caused by Friday’s heavy rains.

It's been two days since Manawa was hit by torrential rains that caused flash flooding, fears of a complete dam failure and a boil water advisory. On Saturday, we reported that the situation had “stabilized,” according to city officials.

However, many people are still suffering from the aftermath of the disaster. Fire Chief Smith said he and his team knocked on between 50 and 100 doors to evacuate people as a precaution Friday, but he estimates the number could be “even higher.”

Although residents returned home Friday night, NBC 26 spoke with some neighbors in the community Sunday, and they say their basements were completely flooded and they had to empty their homes in order to begin cleanup.

Along with the lifting of the boil water advisory Saturday night, Fire Chief Smith provided a positive update on the water treatment plant.

“From 11 a.m. [Saturday]We were able to restart the wastewater treatment plant. It is now operating at full capacity.

Smith also provided an update on seniors from the Manawa Community Nursing Center who are still sheltering at the Wisconsin Veterans Home in the nearby village of King.

“The owner of the building came by the fire station yesterday to inspect the damage. An electrician also came to assess the condition of the building and will work from there. King’s staff ensured that the elderly were able to get to bed and return to their rooms without any problems.”

Although the waters in the Manawa Mill Basin have levelled out, there are still concerns about the remaining portion of the Manawa Dam, which is still standing.

“That's what's happening with this dam. We won't know what condition it's in until our structural engineers come and look at it.”

And Smith says while there's still a lot of cleanup to do, he's grateful to everyone who has helped the city, especially through the boil water advisory.

“We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to those who donated water to those in need.”

Fire Chief Smith said Lindsay Sports Park remains closed “until further notice.” He also said the Public Works Department has blocked off part of the Sturm Memorial Library parking lot as a precaution as the land around the parking lot continues to erode from flowing water.