Hundreds evacuated after massive water main break floods Lowell

Hundreds of residents had to be evacuated after a water main break sent thousands of gallons of water gushing through the streets of Lowell Monday afternoon.

First responders navigated the flooded area near Moody and Cabot Streets, using a boat to rescue residents still trapped in their homes. The murky water could be seen up to the grills of a few parked cars and submerging the front steps of some houses.

Crews dug at the ground for several hours to locate the source of the break and the hundreds who were forced to evacuate their home weren’t sure when they would be let back into their homes.

“It’s actually devastating now given the holiday season now all these homes and people being displaced,” said Walter Smith.

It took several hours before the onrush of water was put to an end. But the damage had already been done.

“I said ‘Oh wow.. the cars and the apartments have water inside,’” said Francis Cabrera

The Lowell Senior Center and Mercier Center were opened to temporarily house those affected by the flooding.

They also advised those in the area to avoid the flooded streets and to expect delays.

The city’s parking department tweeted that the gates of Ayotte Garage had been lifted for those affected in the area.

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