By Bay City News.
Diving, search and rescue teams are in Monterey County heading to the community of Pajaro as state and local engineers assess the situation and next actions in the wake of the Pajaro River levee breach Friday night , authorities said this Saturday morning.
Additional high-water vehicles are also en route to Pajaro, with four already at the location, according to authorities. Damage assessment teams are on their way.
The levee breach prompted the evacuation and the total population under evacuation warning order is 8,528, according to Monterey County officials. The breach is approximately 100 feet wide at this time.
Door-to-door evacuation notifications began at approximately 3:00 p.m. Friday to connect with residents who may not have left when the emergency notices were issued. After the levee breach occurred, sheriff's crews performed approximately 60 rescues in this area.
Some residents evacuated yesterday and overnight, but have not left the area, and county workers are doing their best to transport them to emergency shelters. Free transportation to the hostels is provided.
The Salinas River has overflowed in the area of the community of San Ardo. Cattleman Road leading into the community is closed and evacuation orders were issued overnight, authorities said.
All those who need emergency assistance should go to the shelter that is easiest for them to reach, according to authorities.
Evacuation Orders:
- Arroyo Seco Areas, Starting March 10
- Pájaro Community, starting March 10
- San Ardo, Effective Immediately, March 11
Evacuation warnings have been issued for the following locations:
- Carmel Valley areas, effective March 10
- Northern Salinas areas, effective March 9
- Bolsa Knolls areas, starting March 9
- Carmel River Lagoon area, as of March 9
- Big Sur River, starting Friday, March 10 at 5:00 p.m.
- All Salinas River areas, effective March 10
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