Homes and outbuildings damaged by mud flows in Monterey County
MONTEREY COUNTY, Calif. (KION) The Monterey County Regional Fire Protection District said it has been working with other fire agencies to assess properties affected by mud flows.
So far, the agency said it has found 20 to 25 homes and outbuildings with damage due to mud flows, ranging from minor to severe.
A woman was injured and taken to a hospital after becoming trapped in her home.
Dorothy Priolo, Deputy Fire Marshall, estimates that around 75% of residents that were given an evacuation order had decided to ignore it. The Monterey Sheriff's Office estimates that this number is even higher.
"A few residents in their vehicles had been trapped in a mudslide so they were able to get out but as we discovered in the neighborhoods, some homes, between 20 to 25 residences and outbuildings had been at least partially damaged by the mudflow," says Priolo.
For River Road resident Antonio Sanchez, these harsh rain and wind conditions were a surprise, noting that mud and debris entered the garage of his friend's residence but insisted on helping.
"To be honest, I'm here to help my friends who needed me and we've been here since this morning because there's a lot of mud in the garage. They have a lot of family, mostly young and they need help so I decided to help them," says Antonio.
Even with the harsh floods and damage, Antonio and the other residents remain hopeful but plan on being more prepared.
Read more about rescues near the River Fire burn area.
Flash flood warnings are currently in effect for the Carmel and River Fire burn areas. The Deputy Fire Marshall urges anyone under evacuation orders to leave the area immediately.
