Two days after flooding forced the evacuation of residents in the Lovers Lane area, inspection teams from San Benito County discovered a breach along the Pacheco Creek levee just northeast of the bridge on Lover’s Lane, which threatens 20 homes, according to a press release from the San Benito County Office of Emergency Services.
The breach is located on private property and is about 100 feet long by 50 feet deep, officials said.
"There are impassible blockages of built-up tree brush and debris along the creek banks that the public is advised to avoid," the statement, prepared by Emergency Services Specialist Sabrina Webb, said. "The levee breach directly threatens 20 homes should additional flooding occur."
San Benito County Public Works, the Office of Emergency Services, and the Sheriff’s Office are working together to shore up the breach before the developing storm next week, the release said. Other locations around the levee will be checked to mitigate additional potential damage.
County officials will be requesting cooperation from residents in the Lover’s Lane area to gain access to the affected areas.