VIDEO: The Pajaro River Dam in California has burst; residents ordered to evacuate

The Pajaro farming community in Northern California, known for its strawberry harvest, was forced to evacuate on Saturday morning after the Pajaro River dam ruptured due to flooding, reports the Associated Press.

More than 8,500 people in Monterey received evacuation orders and warnings on Saturday, including nearly 1,700 residents from the Pajaro community.

State officials have indicated that the breach in the Pajaro River dam measures approximately 30 to 48 meters.

Starting Friday afternoon, crews urged residents to leave before the rain began, but some chose to stay, resulting in their rescue early Saturday morning from the rising waters.

Throughout the night, rescuers and the California National Guard saved over 50 individuals.

The Pajaro River separates Santa Cruz and Monterey counties in an area that experienced severe flooding on Saturday. Officials warn that floodwaters could be contaminated with chemicals, advising residents not to drink or use tap water for cooking due to potential health risks.

Crews began repairing the dam early Saturday morning while residents slept in evacuation centers.