World(REUTERS) Evacuation orders for nearly 200,000 people living below the tallest dam in the United States remained in place early on Monday after residents were abruptly told to flee when a spillway appeared in danger of collapse. Authorities issued the evacuation order on Sunday, saying that a crumbling emergency spillway on Lake Oroville Dam in north California could give way and unleash floodwaters onto rural communities along the Feather River. Several hours later the situation appeared less dire, as the damaged spillway remained standing. Javier Santiago, 42, fled with his wife, two children and several friends to the Oroville Dam Visitors Center in a public park above the dam and the danger zone. The Oroville dam is nearly full following winter storms that brought relief to the state after four years of drought.

Source: Sunday Times February 13, 2017 09:26 UTC