Possibility Of Rain Threatens Recovery Work In Capitola
CAPITOLA (KCBS) - Crews have been working around the clock to replace the ruptured pipe that caused flooding in Capitola Village before more rain falls on Saturday.
Evacuated residents of the Pacific Cove Mobile Home Park were allowed to collect belongings from their yellow tagged homes. They have been living in hotels paid for by the city since torrential rains caused flooding on March 26.
KCBS' Chris Filippi Reports:
"I hope we don't have the kind of rain we had before," said Gay Allen, anxious to return to her coach.
The National Weather Service forecasts a 20 percent chance of rain for Saturday that could complicate efforts to install 125 tons of replacement piping just below Pacific Cove, said Derek Johnson, Capitola's director of community development.
"The concern is that we may have trees topple over," Johnson said.
Even once the pipe has been replaced, it could be several weeks before residents—many elderly and disabled—can move back into Pacific Cove. Johnson said it would take some time to restore electricity, water and waste water service to all the damaged units.
Several coaches directly above the break in the pipe were so damaged they will not be inhabitable.
The headquarters of the police department, the fire department and dozens of businesses also need repair work because of the flood waters. Damages have been estimated at $10 million.
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