River Could Damage Manchester Millyard

By Debra Daigle on Monday, May 15, 2006.

The mighty Merrimack River is showing its strength after five days of steady rain.

One of the places officials are keeping their eye on for damage is the Millyard stretch of river in Manchester.

NHPR Correspondent Debra Daigle reports.

(river sounds)

As the Merrimack River rushes past the millyard in Manchester, there's no missing its angry mark.

The five-day deluge has caused the beautiful brick sidewalk on its banks to buckle and crack, leaving huge craters along the entire length.

The site's been drawing many curious onlookers, and police sergeant Steve Simmons is trying to make sure everyone keeps their distance from the water:

"The water and the current here is so quick, that obviously if people get close, you have the opportunity, or the problem of, if you fall in, it's gonna sweep them up very quickly, the rescue effort's gonna be difficult."

(rain sounds)

Hard to believe with this relentless rain since last week, but Sgt. Simmons says the river is receding, and should be back to normal by week's end.

For NHPR News, I'm Debra Daigle in Manchester.