Duke Energy has issued a statement emphasizing that Walters Dam has not failed, despite earlier reports of an evacuation order. The company assures the public of the dam's structural stability and urges residents to stay informed and follow official updates.
Duke Energy has sought to quell concerns about the integrity of Walters Dam, following a precautionary evacuation order issued earlier this week. In a statement, the company emphasized that the dam has not failed and remains structurally sound.
"We want to assure the public that there has been no structural failure of Walters Dam," Duke Energy spokesperson Erin Culbert said. "The dam remains in a safe condition and we are closely monitoring the situation."
Duke Energy Assures Public of Walters Dam's Integrity
The evacuation order was issued as a precautionary measure due to elevated water levels upstream of the dam. Heavy rainfall in the area had raised concerns about potential overtopping of the dam, prompting officials to order the evacuation of approximately 100 households living nearby.
However, Duke Energy engineers have conducted thorough inspections and confirmed that the dam is structurally intact and does not pose an imminent threat to the downstream community. The company has since lifted the evacuation order and residents have been allowed to return to their homes.
"We understand that dam safety is a major concern for our communities, and we take it very seriously," Culbert said. "We have teams of experts on site around the clock to monitor the dam and ensure its integrity."
Duke Energy has been working closely with local authorities and emergency responders to ensure a coordinated response to the situation. The company has also established an information hotline for residents to call with any questions or concerns.
"We encourage everyone to stay informed and follow official updates from Duke Energy and local officials," Culbert said. "We will continue to provide regular updates on the situation and will take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of our communities."
The ongoing monitoring of Walters Dam is part of Duke Energy's routine dam safety program. The company inspects all of its dams regularly and makes necessary repairs or upgrades to ensure their continued safe operation.
Duke Energy operates 52 dams across North Carolina, providing critical infrastructure for flood control, power generation, and recreation. The company has a strong track record of dam safety and is committed to maintaining the integrity of its structures.
Residents near Duke Energy dams are encouraged to sign up for the company's free dam safety alert system, which provides real-time updates on dam conditions and potential flooding threats. The alert system can be accessed through Duke Energy's website or by calling 1-800-777-9477.
Duke Energy urges the public to stay informed and follow official updates regarding the status of Walters Dam and other dams in the region. By working together, the company and local authorities can ensure the safety of communities downstream of dams and minimize the risk of flooding and other potential hazards.
