BRIDGE OVER TROUBLED WATERS — Eldorado, population
14,500, is located approximately 60 kilometers upstream from Registro
on the Ribiera River. Because it is located farther upstream, Eldorado
has less warning about major floods originating at the head of the
river. It is also located near the foot of the mountains, so the
river valley is very narrow there. Consequently, a major flood had
recently crested about 45 feet above flood stage inundating most
of the town lying between the river and the city hall. The flood
washed away an important bridge that was in the process of being
reconstructed at a higher level when the A&M team arrived.
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