Wisconsin residents told to flee before 'imminent collapse' of Manawa Dam

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Residents in Wisconsin have been told to flee before the 'imminent' collapse of the Manawa Dam.

Authorities warned the amount of water in the dam is not safe and for those living down Little Wolf River to evacuate immediately. 

Residents have been told to seek higher ground as part of the dam is compromised and suffered significant damage. 

It is unclear how many residents have been forced to flee in the city which has a population of 1,400.  

'Due to the amount of water the dam isn't safe. If you're down river, please EVACUATE. The bridge is closed,' the Manawa Police Department said in a statement on Facebook.

A flash flood emergency was declared for Manawa in Waupaca County as thunderstorms in the area are producing heavy rain.

Footage of the dam shows water rapidly flowing and threatening to burst the banks. 

Part of it was breached at around 1.45pm by floodwaters and people living down of the river were evacuated.  

Heavy rainfall began in the area at around 8.30am and five inches fell in the space of just a few hours leading to a flash flood warning. 

Multiple streets in the area have flooded and multiple cars are stranded on the highway.

The city has warned residents to expect more floods in the streets and yards 'everywhere'.

Meteorologist Scott Cultice said: 'It just wouldn't stop raining in and around the Manawa area.

'They had water rescues. Most of the downtown roads were flooded.

'We just can't get rid of the rain. It's just not moving, just stalling.'

All roads into Manawa have been blocked and people have been told not to drive in or around the city. 

'Please do not try to drive into the city or around the city,' the city said in a statement. 'Vehicles are being flooded on the roads around the city. Union Street is flooded. 

'N. Bridge Street is flooded. Beech Street is washed away. Howard Street is flooded. Industrial Drive is flooded.'

'Because of the amount of rain we are receiving ... there will be flooding in the streets and yards. It is everywhere in the city.'

Every fire department in the country is working to respond to the incident.  

An emergency shelter has been set up for residents at Little Wolf Junior/Senior High School. 

The weather service warned that the rain, and possibly thunderstorms, could occur through the weekend and into early next week. 

DailyMail.com has contacted the Manawa Police Department for comment.