Several days of below-freezing temperatures across the state are causing water issues for multiple cities as Arkansas begins to thaw out. Throughout the week, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management in coordination with the Governor’s office has been assisting and facilitating help in these communities.
In Phillips County, a water shortage due to a water pump failure has impacted 8,000 to 9,000 residents. The Arkansas National Guard (ANG) has deployed a Water Hippo (2,000 gallons) to support the county. The Hippo was in place at 10 p.m. on Thursday.
The City of Thornton in Calhoun County has had a water pump malfunction. ANG has responded with a Water Buffalo (400 gallons) to assist.
In White County, the Pangburn water storage tank pump failed, impacting 2,600 residents. Five pallets of water have been delivered by the local emergency coordinator.