In Merced, Governor Newsom Visits Residents Impacted by Ongoing Winter Storms, Highlights the State’s Preparedness Efforts

MERCED – Governor Gavin Newsom met with residents at the Merced County Fairgrounds today who have been evacuated from their homes due to the ongoing winter storms. Governor Newsom also surveyed damage in the Planada community and visited the site of a local project in Merced where crews were pumping floodwater from a 29-foot levee breach on Black Rascal Creek.

Governor Newsom meets with evacuated residents at the Merced County Fairgrounds

“Up and down the state, Californians, along with state, local, and federal agencies are working together to address the damage caused by ongoing winter storms – damage that I saw firsthand today,” said Governor Newsom. “This isn’t over; we must remain vigilant. Stay safe, make the necessary preparations, and limit non-essential travel. Floods, landslides, and storms don’t care who you are or where you live – it’ll hit you just the same. We have lost too much – too many people to these storms and in these waters.”

Governor Newsom meets with evacuated residents at the Merced County Fairgrounds

Evacuated residents at the Merced County Fairgrounds are provided with medical care, meals, shelter, and meals. There are approximately 99 people at the evacuation center, many from the community of Planada, where all residents were evacuated earlier this week.

Governor Newsom at site of project in Merced with crews pumping floodwater

DWR conducted emergency levee repairs to prevent further flooding in Merced County at three locations: installing “Muscle Wall” – a portable barrier that contains or diverts water – and delivering 450,000 sandbags to the city and county. Statewide, the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES) has pre-positioned 32 fire engines and 10 Swift Water Rescue Teams. Five of CAL FIRE’s new Fire Hawk helicopters are readied for rescue operations, and 22 crews from the California Conservation Corps are staged to assist with flood response. The California National Guard has prepositioned assets for emergency response, including 32 high water vehicles and 4 aircraft. Statewide 21 shelters are open. The State Operations Center at Cal OES continues to operate around the clock at the highest state of readiness (Level 1).

Governor Newsom visits impacted resident in the Planada community

Earlier this week, President Biden approved the Governor’s request for a Presidential Emergency Declaration, activating the full weight of the federal government to support California’s storm response and recovery efforts. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is making federal disaster assistance available to supplement local and state resources, including equipment and personnel.

The Governor also announced $202 million in new investments for long-term flood prevention in his January budget proposal.

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