Dive, search and rescue teams were onsite and en route to the community of Pajaro as state and local engineers assess the situation and next actions in the wake of the breach of the Pajaro River levee Friday night, authorities said Saturday morning.
Additional high-water vehicles also were on the way to Pajaro, with four already in place, according to authorities. Damage assessment teams also were en route.
The levee breach prompted evacuation and the total population under evacuation warning order is 8,528, according to Monterey County officials. The breach is about 100 feet wide.
Door-to-door evacuation notifications began at about 3 p.m. Friday to connect with residents who might not have left when emergency notices were issued. After the levee break occurred, sheriff’s teams performed about 60 rescues from the area, officials said.
Some residents evacuated Friday and overnight Saturday but did not leave the area, and county workers were working to get them transported to emergency shelters. Free transportation was being provided to shelters.
The Salinas River flooded areas near the community of San Ardo. Cattleman Road leading into the community was closed, and evacuation orders were issued overnight, officials said.
Those in need of emergency assistance should go to the shelter they are most easily able to reach, according to officials.
Evacuation Orders:
- Areas of Arroyo Seco, Effective March 10
- Pajaro Community, Effective March 10
- San Ardo, Effective Immediately, March 11
Evacuation Warnings have been issued for the following locations:
- Areas of Carmel Valley, Effective March 10
- Areas of North Salinas, Effective March 9
- Areas of Bolsa Knolls, Effective March 9
- Carmel River Lagoon area, Effective March 9
- Big Sur River, Effective Friday, March 10 at 5 p.m.
- All areas of the Salinas River, Effective March 10
Source: NBC Bay Area