California Gov. Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency in San Joaquin County, less than a year after a levee breach on Victoria Island sent thousands of gallons of water surging through the rural area.
The breach, which occurred on Oct. 21, 2024, caused a 2,000-foot section of the Victoria Island levee to collapse, releasing an estimated 6,000 gallons of water per minute through the base of the structure.
No injuries were reported but the failure endangered over 6,000 acres of farmland, nearby state Highway 4, and critical water inlets, according to county officials.
Newsom on Wednesday said the scale of the disaster has exceeded the capacity of local authorities to respond and needed broader efforts.
Under the state of emergency proclamation, California agencies will be allowed to assist local efforts and waive certain regulations to expedite repairs and recovery.
Newsom said the state’s Office of Emergency Services will coordinate support under the California Disaster Assistance Act.
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