San Joaquin County officials declared a state of emergency Wednesday due to concerns of a potential levee failure along the Old River on Victoria Island. Engineers from Reclamation District 2040 detected slumping along the levee on October 21, raising fears of extensive damage to agricultural land, disruptions on Highway 4, and impacts on the region’s drinking water.
To address the risk, emergency measures have been enacted, including the installation of temporary barriers. “Public safety is a top priority for the county,” said Sierra Brucia, Director of the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services, noting that the emergency declaration grants the county additional authority to manage response operations and issue protective orders if needed.
Kjeldsen, Sinnock & Neudeck, Inc., the engineering firm leading the response, is working with local authorities to stabilize the levee and has issued safety protocols for residents. San Joaquin County is encouraging those in the affected areas to prepare by signing up for SJReady Alerts at sjready.org, creating emergency plans, and assembling 72-hour supply kits.
Residents are advised to stay informed and follow local updates, especially in the event of an evacuation order.