YAKIMA COUNTY, Wash. – Level two evacuations remain in effect for areas in Yakima County due to rising river levels. These evacuations impact areas within 200 feet on either side of the Naches River, starting at the Little Naches River and extending east to South Naches Road.
The Yakima River area, from Sundown M Ranch to Gap of Selah, is also under evacuation orders. This includes up to 200 feet on each side of the river. Additionally, areas east of the 500 block of East Naches Avenue and South Rushmore are affected. Local businesses Munson Fruit and Graham Packaging have stopped production and evacuated.
Earlier on Friday, Yakima Valley Emergency Management held a press conference detailed the impacts the flood has had on the Valley.
Deputy Chief Chris Hutsell of the Yakima Fire Department stated that 23 people and an equal number of pets have been rescued from the Yakima River in the past three days. Troy Havens with the Yakima County Flood Control Zone District noted that this is the third highest recorded crest for the Naches River since 1933 and 1996.
Kyle Curtis from the Board of Yakima County Commissioners expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts of multiple agencies.
“This community should be very proud and appreciative for the level of excellence all of our agencies that it takes to do these types of emergency operations,” Curtis said.
The Selah Police Department announced the evacuations and urged people to avoid barricaded areas. Despite warnings, dozens of vehicles have been seen driving through the flooded roads.
Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of caution on closed roadways. Fire department heads present at the press conference stressed that while the weather may appear nice, the river remains dangerous.
