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Malaquias Humberto Cruz Santiago and his wife Loida Cruz Hernandez stand with their daughter Lecni Cruz, 5, near the Pajaro River Bridge as they wait for updates about when their family can return home in Pajaro.
Brontë Wittpenn/The Chronicle
Residents of flood-devastated Pajarowill be allowed to return Friday and begin addressing the damage after a levee break forced them to evacuate two weeks ago, said Monterey County officials, who cautioned them about environmental hazards and “strongly” warned against staying there until homes are cleaned and repairs are completed.
More than 2,000 people had to flee March 11-12 when the Pajaro River burst through a section of the levee, inundating the small community south of Watsonville whose population is mostly Latino, low-income and farmworkers. More than 900 houses and businesses were damaged, and nearly 500 people have been living in shelters, uncertain if they will have homes and jobs to return to.
During an intense town hall meeting Tuesday night at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville, officials told residents they will encounter unsafe living conditions – such as contaminated water, spoiled food, bacteria and possible power outages – when returning Friday.
The county has shut off the water due to contamination concerns, and sewers are not functioning after floodwaters severed a line.
Nicholas Pasculli, chief public information officer for Monterey County, told The Chronicle on Wednesday that officials are not encouraging people to stay in their homes. Instead, he said, they are informing them of the hazards and how to safely assess and clean their homes.
“We are allowing people to make safe decisions for themselves,” he said in an email. “Those that had flood damage are advised strongly to remain in the shelters until cleanup is complete.”
Cleanup completion will vary from home to home and could last weeks, he added.
个人防护设备,清洁恋爱补给品es, tools and hygiene stations will be available to residents, officials said at the meeting Tuesday. The county will also provide curbside debris removal services free of charge.
Marni Flagg of Monterey County’s environmental health department gave residents instructions on how to safely clean their homes, such as using gloves and hand sanitizer, and taking food and snacks. “You will need to protect yourself from unknown hazards while cleaning your home and your community,” she told the crowd.
Damage assessments were still under way, officials said. So far, six homes -- including one multi-dwelling building -- have been red-tagged, indicating they suffered foundation damage and will require permits for repairs.
In total, 903 buildings were damaged across the city, said Cal Fire Capt. George Nuñez .
County officials said Pacific Gas and Electric Co. did not find any gas leaks in homes. The sewer system remained a top concern, though Pasculli said officials were “hopeful” it will be running again by the end of the week.
Despite the update Tuesday, residents expressed frustration with what they said was a lack of economic support and communication about the levee failure before the flood struck Pajaro.
Federal, state and local officials knew for decades that the Pajaro River levee was poorly designed and needed repairs, butthe federal government did not prioritize the projectbecause of the relatively low value of surrounding farmland and homes in a disadvantaged, predominantly Latino area, local officials told The Chronicle.
“We need economic help!” a woman shouted in Spanish during the town hall. People clapped and cheered.
“Why in Santa Cruz did people quickly receive help but not here in Pajaro?” a man said in Spanish. “Is it because the city is mostly Hispanic? Or why?”
On Tuesday, many residents pushed county officials to do more to provide additional resources, especially to those who are not staying at one of the four available shelters. Some said they have been turned down at shelters due to capacity. Others asked when assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency will be available.
County officials said they have “done everything we can do” to request state and federal help. Pasculli said Monterey County has met the requirements needed to receive aid from FEMA and is just waiting for President Biden to declare a major disaster.
On March 10, the presidentapproveda state of emergency declaration in California in response to the severe winter storms that began March 9, increasing federal support for state and local officials. State officials on Wednesday were working on submitting an application to request a major disaster declaration, which would provide assistance to individuals, said Brian Ferguson, a spokesman for the governor’s office of emergency services. He said the state must meet specific requirements to receive a major disaster declaration, such as having around 1,200 severely damaged homes.
“Damage assessments will continue until we determine if we meet the criteria or not, but I would think it'd be fair to say that the state is very committed to maximizing the amount of federal support, financial support and logistical support we can get for these communities,” he said.
Monterey County officials last weekurged the governorto provide disaster relief for farmworkers and undocumented residents who do not have access to federal aid or fear asking for help because of their immigration status.
Pasculli said shelters still have beds available. He said people have been making their own decision whether to stay there, but that county officials “welcome them with open arms.” The county does not have records indicating where other evacuees are staying, he added.
Dozens of Pajaro residents decided against evacuating and have been struggling to survive in the flood area.
People can request help at a resource center at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, at 2601 E. Lake Ave. in Watsonville, or call 211, he said.
On Wednesday, Monterey County Supervisor Luis Alejosaid on Twitterthat he submitted a proposal to implement a temporary eviction moratorium in Pajaro in the aftermath of the flooding.
Residents said they need the extra assistance now to pay for rent and food.
“How much do we have to beg to get help?” another woman asked.
达到杰西卡·弗洛雷斯:是的sica.flores@sfchronicle.com; Twitter: @jesssmflores
