On January 30, 2024, the San Diego County Board of Supervisors convened a special meeting to address the ongoing recovery efforts following severe flooding that impacted the region. The meeting highlighted the activation of the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and the subsequent local emergency proclamations issued by the county and various cities, including San Diego and Coronado.
The interim chief administrative officer reported that the flooding prompted a request for state and federal disaster assistance, including a presidential major disaster declaration. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for San Diego County on January 23, further facilitating aid efforts. The EOC has been coordinating daily with local cities, tribal nations, and the National Weather Service to manage the crisis effectively.
Initial damage assessments estimate public infrastructure losses at approximately $90 million, with around $4.1 million attributed to the county itself. Nearly 3,000 residents reported damage, with 525 indicating major damage and over 1,000 lacking insurance coverage. The city of San Diego experienced the highest concentration of damage reports, totaling 1,700.
Public works crews have been actively engaged in debris removal and emergency repairs, addressing issues such as sinkholes and blocked drainage systems. The county's Joint Information Center has been disseminating crucial updates to the public regarding recovery resources and safety measures.
A local assistance center opened on January 29 at the Spring Valley Library, providing residents with access to information from over a dozen county departments and state agencies. As of the meeting, 777 households had registered for assistance, representing over 2,000 individuals.
The county has also initiated outreach efforts to support agricultural operators affected by the storm, with reports of crop loss and structural damage. Moving forward, county staff are focused on preparing for potential future storms while continuing to assist residents in recovery efforts.
The meeting concluded with a commitment to ongoing collaboration and support for the community as recovery progresses. Public comments were invited, reflecting community engagement and concern regarding the flood's impact.