FERNLEY, Nev. (AP) -- Officials in Fernley, Nevada, say burrowing
rodents may be responsible for a canal levee break that caused
flooding in hundreds of homes this morning.
Officials say gophers are notorious for making holes that weaken
the canal's earthen bank, and that once water finds a weak spot, it
will "go for it."
The break came as a storm pummeled the West Coast, and the
Fernley area had gotten snow and heavy rain yesterday.
The flooding stranded about 3,500 people in the town. School
buses have been used to take residents to shelters set up at
schools. Helicopters have also been brought in to help rescue
people, as officials say some people were left standing in their
driveways or on top of their buildings.
No injuries are being reported. Officials say the Truckee River
water flowing into the canal has been diverted upstream and that
water in the canal is receding.
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