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LOWELL, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — Crews are cleaning up parts of Lowell after a water main break flooded and forced nearly 200 people to evacuate their homes Monday evening.
A pipe broke underground around 3:30 p.m., sending water flowing into the area of Moody and Cabot Streets and Father Morissette Boulevard.
Lowell police and firefighters helped evacuate area residents, including a large housing complex where water had flooded out the basement and first-floor units. Some elderly and disabled residents living there had to be carried down the stairs because the elevators were without power.
Firefighters also had to rescue some people and pets from their homes by boat.
No injuries were reported.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) arrived on scene Monday night to assist residents displaced by the flooding. Two emergency shelters were opened, one at the Lowell Senior Center on Broadway Street and another at the Mercier Center on Salem Street.
As of Tuesday morning, crews have repaired the pipe and paved over the hole where the break occurred. The city has not said when residents will be able to return to their homes. MEMA and the Salvation Army Disaster Services team remain on-hand to help those displaced.
This is an ongoing story.
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