By Olivia Wynkoop. Bay City News.
Approximately 16,000 residents are affected by evacuation warnings and orders due to the levee breach on the Pajaro River, Monterey County officials announced Monday.
According to the most recent update issued by county officials, which was sent out at 11:30 a.m., the river levee breach is 400 feet wide.
Evacuation orders are currently in effect for residents in the Aroyo Seco, Pájaro, San Ardo and Salinas River areas from Greenfield to Gonzáles, Gonzáles to Spreckels and northwest of Spreckels.
Evacuation warnings are in effect for the low-lying areas of Castroville and those near the Elkhorn Marine Reserve and Moro Cojo Slough.
Nearly 5,000 residents have also been ordered to shelter in place in areas west of River Road from Interstate 68 south to Fort Romie Road, and Las Palmas 1 and 2 and Indian Springs.
Additionally, residents receiving water from the Pajaro, Sunny Mesa and San Ardo water districts have been encouraged not to use tap water for drinking and cooking as it may be contaminated.
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