Families displaced by water main break on Lowell Street

MANCHESTER, NH The American Red Cross is on the scene of a large water main break near Lowell and Jane streets Jan. 7 that required evacuation of several homes due to flooding. A temporary shelter was created at Central High School.

Lloyd Ziel, spokesman for the Red Cross said more than 40 homes were affected in some way by the water main break.

“Right now two people are at the shelter,” Ziel said. “I think many people are finding their own accommodations at this point.”

Water Main Break Lowell Street ll from Carol Robidoux on Vimeo.

Once the water main was shut off MFD began pumping cellars, and back yards.According to Chief Dan Goonan and Mayor Joyce Craig, many of the houses are without water, heat and in some cases have had the electricity and gas shut off.

Ziel said Red Cross volunteers have set up a reception center that, if needed, will become an overnight shelter for those with nowhere else to go. Residents should use the Maple Street entrance to the high school.

The problem was initially reported Sunday morning, with several roads closed to traffic as crews arrived to assess the damage.

“The safety of all affected residents is our top priority. We urge anyone affected by this water main break to seek assistance as soon as possible, as the repairs will take some time given the extremely cold temperatures. Thanks to a quick response by city and state emergency personnel, I am thankful that no one has been injured and the damaged contained as much as possible,” said Mayor Joyce Craig in a statement released Sunday afternoon.

As of 3 p.m. on Sunday, the city cited the following road closures, affecting 45 homes:

• Lowell – Maple to Ashland
• Malvern – Lowell to Concord
• Jane – Lowell to High

Manchester Water Works and crews from the Department of Public Works are at the scene and will be working “around the clock” until it is repaired.

Personnel from Manchester fire, police health department and AMR are on site to provide assistance to anyone in need.

A disaster recovery center will be setup Jan. 8 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. at the Manchester Health Department (1528 Elm St.) for those seeking assistance related to this incident. Red Cross will be on site to do case work intake.

Anyone in need  of assistance should contact Red Cross at 1-800-464-6692.

For all other questions call the Manchester Fire / Emergency Operations Center (EOC) at 668-1308.