Rising Water Threatens Homeless Encampments On American River
SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Rescue operations are underway to bring homeless people camping on islands on the American River to higher ground.
As water levels continue to rise due to Thursday's storm, encampments could soon be underwater. Firefighters don't know exactly how many people are living in the encampments but described today's operations as "extensive."
By 9:30 a.m. Friday, 10 people and 13 dogs had been rescued.
10 people 13 dogs rescued so far from #sacmetrofire watch @GoodDaySac @CBSSacramento for info pic.twitter.com/RR8XckZcDw
— Terry Hagz (@TvCamHagz) December 16, 2016
Multiple homeless encampments stranded by rising water, fire crews will have extensive rescue operations. Media come to North end Acoma St. pic.twitter.com/Xv20BIo8tK
— Sacramento Fire Department (@SacFirePIO) December 16, 2016
Thursday's storm brought record rainfall to parts of the Sacramento area. Sacramento Executive Airport received over two inches of rain, which crushed the previous record set in 1957 of 1.06 inches. And Downtown Sacramento received 1.84 inches, which was well above the previous record of 1.56 inches, set in 1929.