MOOSE LAKE, Minn. -- Dropping water levels is welcome news for the people of Moose Lake as they deal with massive flooding from this week's record breaking rainfall.
Police Chief Bryce Bogenholm says the water level has dropped six to eight inches, and continues to fall at a rate of about two inches an hour.
The situation in Moose Lake became dire when the main pump used to move sewage and displace water in the northeast Minnesota town failed Thursday afternoon. Residents were sandbagging furiously but were unable to keep the rising waters of the Moose Horn River at bay. Water overcame the man-made barrier and swamped the pump, causing it to falter.
At one point 18 inches of water flooded Arrowhead Lane, the town's main street.
Chief Bogenholm says backup pumps are running, and he believes the drinking water is safe and there is no threat of sewage water backing up. However, officials are asking people to conserve water.
The water has done significant damage, with an estimated 150 homes and the city's high school underwater.
Moose Lake has about 2,800 residents and is about 40 miles southwest of Duluth along Interstate 35.
A Salvation Army team from Cloquet is in Moose Lake to help serve food and water to evacuated flood victims. The Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Scanlon Community Center in Scanlon. There are no reports of injuries or fatalities due to the flood.
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