PORTLAND — A “catastrophic failure” of a water main caused tens of millions of gallons of water to flood streets, homes and businesses in Northeast Portland on Saturday, Portland Water Bureau officials said.
The broken 30-inch diameter pipe is located around the intersection of Northeast 23rd Avenue and Skidmore Street, the authorities said. A geyser was seen bursting several feet into the air from the site of the break.
It’s unclear what caused the rupture. Water Bureau spokeswoman Felicia Heaton said officials are investigating.
When reached at 1:30 p.m., several hours after the flooding began, Water Bureau Commissioner-in-charge Amanda Fritz said she had not had her phone and was just learning of the flooding.
Michael Stuhr, the Water Bureau administrator, and Nick Fish, commissioner-in-charge of the sewer and stormwater bureau, did not return messages seeking comment.
The flooding is ongoing, and firefighters and workers with the Portland Water Bureau are trying to bring it under control, though officials have said it could take many hours.
A Water Bureau official said large mains like the one that burst Saturday are fed by many other pipes and valves, some of which are difficult to shut.
Dozens of intersections are affected, and Pacific Power said more than 11,700 area residents are without electricity and gas.
Officials are advising residents in the vicinity that the tap water may not be potable and that they should drink bottled water instead.
First responders and bystanders reported a jarring scene as water streamed unabated onto streets in Portland’s Sabin neighborhood and flowed over Northeast Alberta Street and north toward Concordia University, about a mile away. Water was seen bursting through seams in the road in some places.
Many took to social media to post photos and videos of the flooding.
Firefighters were seen carrying bystanders piggyback-style through ankle-deep water so they could reach their vehicles or cross flooded areas.
Officials are asking people avoid the area and stay clear of the water.
“Being in or near this water is extremely hazardous,” the Fire Bureau tweeted. “Weakened surfaces, open manhole covers and unclean water to a mention a few. Please stay out of the area!”
