The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors proclaimed a local emergency throughout IID’s service territory in the Imperial and Coachella Valleys following damage caused by Tropical Storm Rachel, the California public power utility reported on Oct. 16.
The storm moved through IID’s service territory on Oct. 11, bringing heavy rainfall and significant flooding that damaged electric transmission and distribution infrastructure in the Imperial and Coachella valleys.
In Imperial County, storm impacts included desert runoff flooding into the Westside Main Canal causing a breach in the canal, significant damage to canal banks and washouts requiring extensive repairs to restore access.
“Declaring a local emergency allows IID to continue moving quickly with the repairs and recovery work needed following this storm,” said IID Board Chairwoman Karin Eugenio. “Our employees responded immediately to restore service and protect critical infrastructure, and this action helps ensure they have the resources necessary to continue that work.”
More than 2,300 electric customers were impacted by the storm, with service restored to all affected residential customers in less than 12 hours. The Westside Main Canal breach was also closed in less than 12 hours, while crews continued assessing damage and carrying out temporary and permanent repairs.
The emergency proclamation authorizes IID to continue expedited emergency protective measures, restoration and repair work, while also allowing the District to pursue available assistance through the California Disaster Assistance Act and other state or federal programs.
“Our focus remains on restoring damaged infrastructure safely and completely while continuing reliable service to our customers,” said IID General Manager Jamie Asbury. “This declaration gives the District additional flexibility as we move from emergency response into longer-term recovery.”
IID crews will continue assessing storm impacts, completing repairs and tracking recovery costs as restoration efforts move forward.
