World/Nation Briefs July 26, 2010

Flooding causes millions in damage in Iowa

MONTICELLO, Iowa - Flooding from the Maquoketa River after the Lake Delhi dam failed has damaged dozens of homes and businesses, causing millions of dollars in damage in Monticello, officials said Sunday.The Lake Delhi dam in eastern Iowa failed Saturday as rising floodwater from the Maquoketa River ate a 30-foot-wide hole in it. Areas below the dam, including in Hopkinton and Monticello were evacuated.

The river crested upstream of the dam at Manchester early Saturday afternoon at 24.53 feet - more than 10 feet above flood stage and well above its 2004 record of 21.66 feet - before it began to slowly recede.About 50 homes and 20 businesses had major flood damage and the city's sewer plant had been flooded and shut down about 7 p.m. Saturday, said Monticello Public Works Director Dana Edwards.

BP board to meet as officials say Hayward out

LONDON - BP's board of directors is scheduled to meet Monday as officials familiar with the oil giant say its embattled chief executive Tony Hayward is being replaced.

A senior U.S. official, who spoke Sunday on condition of anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made, was briefed on the decision to replace Hayward by a senior BP official late last week.Hayward, 53, has come under heavy criticism for his leadership following the April 20 fire and explosion on the Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico. The Sunday Times reported directors are "considering a plan under which (Hayward) would leave as soon as the ruptured well is sealed."

- The Associated Press