National Guard joins Tulare County evacuation efforts in Allensworth and Alpaugh
The National Guard and dozens of public safety agencies are on scene in Tulare County in what the Sheriff’s Office calls a massive mutual aid effort as floodwaters continue to rise and more than 12,000 face evacuations.
Early Sunday, Sheriff Mike Boudreaux ordered evacuations of the historic Black community of Allensworth along with Alpaugh. The Sheriff’s Office and other agencies are aiding deputies going door-to-door in both communities, urging people to get out of the area and helping them do so.
The National Guard is utilizing special high-water vehicles to assist in the effort.
During a public meeting Sunday afternoon with other public safety officials, Boudreaux sought to reassure residents of the safety of area dams holding a record amount of water. “The stability of dams is solid,” he said, referring to the Terminus Dam on Lake Kaweah and the Success Dam on the Tule River. The sheriff urged residents to disregard non-official information posted on social media.
As part of the efforts, county officials are:
Directing displaced residents to an emergency evacuation point at the Tipton Memorial Hall, 577 E Spencer Road; evacuation centers include Porterville College Gym, 100 E. College Ave.; Ivanhoe Memorial Hall, 33209 Hawthorne Road; and Exeter Memorial Building, 324 N. Kaweah Ave. Officials say pets were welcome to stay with owners.
Setting up an emergency animal shelter at the Tulare County Fairgrounds.
Urging residents near Pine Flat reservoir not to drink water from the tap for at least 48 hours. Recent storm damage destroyed the water source in the area and a temporary line is in place, but has not been tested. Residents may use toilets and wash dishes.
