Trump says Michigan will get help on dam flooding

US President Donald Trump says his administration with help Michigan following two dam breaks that led to severe flooding and evacuations.

This comes after rapidly rising water overtook dams and forced about 10,000 people from communities in central Michigan

The river topped a previous record of 33.9 feet (10.3 meter res) set during flooding in 1986, the National Weather Service said. Its flood stage is 24 feet (7.3 meters), and it was expected to crest by day's end at about 38 feet (11.6 meters).

There were 19 high hazard dams in unsatisfactory or poor condition in Michigan in 2018, ranking 20th among the 45 states and Puerto Rico for which The Associated Press obtained condition assessments.

Flood warnings in Michigan were issued following widespread rainfall of 4 to 7 inches (10.2 to 17.8 centimeters) since Sunday, according to the National Weather Service. Heavy runoff pushed rivers higher.

Michigan is under a stay-at-home order to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

The state has been a national hot spot for COVID-19, with more than 52,000 cases and 5,000 deaths, but Midland County has had fewer than 80 cases and under 10 deaths.

Still, residents were advised to take precautions and schools set up as shelters spaced cots to adhere to social distancing guidelines.