San Benito County leaders plan for El Nio
With strong El Nio predictions, emergency officials in San Benito County have been brainstorming a game plan to help get residents through major flooding. On Monday, residents took to social media, posting information on where people should keep an eye out for standing water. County and city officials said the old storm drain system causes problems.
“Flood plains, evacuation routes, where are we going to shelter people,” said Kevin O’Neill with the San Benito County Office of Emergency Services
The San Benito River is a point of concern. Years ago, the water level got so high it caused a bridge to collapse.
“Currently there’s a homeless encampment in it. We are opening a homeless shelter, but just in case we want to be prepared to get them out of there as quickly and safely as possible,” said O’Neill.
The county said it plans to move those staying near the river to the Veterans Memorial Building. Right now, emergency officials are looking at how many houses lay on a flood plain.
The intersection of Mapleton and Fourth Street was completely flooded after Monday’s rain. A resident on the corner said he hadn’t seen anything like it.
“Well the water was running fairly fast down Fourth and down Mapleton at a pretty steady stream. That’s the worst I’ve ever seen it,” Robert Groeling said.
This is only the beginning. A strong El Nio is expected, and firefighters said they’re working with the county to make sure crews are ready for all flood scenarios.
“Flooding… we can only forecast a few days in advance,” said Fire Chief Bob Martin Del Campo.
Hollister is urging residents to prepare for the winter. Sand bags are already available at the San Benito County Public Works Department on South Street, Fire Station 2 on Union Drive and at the Hollister Airport.
There will be three informational meetings on how residents can prepare for winter storms. The first meeting, Monday, November 16, is at 6:30 p.m. at San Juan Bautista City Hall. The second meeting, Tuesday, November 17, is at 6:30 p.m. at San Benito County Administration Building in Hollister. The last meeting will be Wednesday, November 18, at 6:30 p.m. in the gym at Southside School in Hollister.
