By Kim Glovas

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — Philadelphia fire officials were using boats to evacuate residents from the area around 21st and Bainbridge Streets in South Philadelphia where a water main broke shortly after 9 p.m. on Sunday.

The Philadelphia Water Department says the 48 inch main flooded many streets in the area. They were trying to find the source of the problem.

According to residents, the water was at least two feet deep in the streets.

The fire department says all utilities were notified of the emergency.

The American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania set up a reception center at East Stanton School at 17th and Christian for residents displaced by the water main break.

Red Cross CEO Judge Renee Hughes says the break forced an evacuation of a four block area. The Red Cross was preparing for an undetermined number of people to use the shelter.