Evacuation Orders for Community of Pajaro Lifted on March 23

 

As of 10:00 am on Thursday, March 23, 2023, the Monterey County Sheriff's Office has lifted the

Evacuation Orders for the community of Pajaro effective immediately. The MCOS understands that many

residents are eager to return to their homes and begin the process of recovery and clean-up, but they

urge caution and emphasize that there are still health risks associated with re-entry.

Monterey County and the Pajaro Sunny Mesa Community Services District are working tirelessly to repair and restore the wastewater sewer system. At this time, there is still no potable water, and toilets cannot be flushed. It is not recommended that residents live in their homes until sewer and water is restored.

Those who choose to enter the area do so at their own risk.

To assist residents with the re-entry process, bus service is available from the Evacuation Shelters to

the Community of Pajaro. There are 18 bus stops established in the community for residents to get to

and from the resource hub located at Pajaro Park and Pajaro Middle School. Additionally, there are 150

portable toilets and 40 hand sanitizing stations located throughout the community. Please note that

there is no parking available at the hygiene stations, and residents are encouraged to either walk or

take advantage of the free bus transportation.

Cleaning stations, portable toilets, showers, handwashing stations, laundry services, and information

booths are available at Pajaro Park and Pajaro Middle School. These are to assist residents in the re-

entry process, assessing and removing debris.

Residents are asked to proceed with caution, obey all traffic signs, detours, and roadblocks, and stay

off flooded roadways. There may be heavy equipment still operating in the area working on debris

removal and sewage hauling.

The MCOS encourages residents to continue monitoring local media, social media, and Nixle alerts for recovery information and updates. For general information, please call 2-1-1. If you have a life-threatening

emergency, please call 9-1-1.

To access the recovery website, please visit the following link: Recovery Website:

https://bit.ly/3lBSbnW

The MCOS appreciates your patience and cooperation during this difficult time and wish you a safe and

successful recovery process.