Yuba County, other cities evacuated over fears of Oroville dam burst

Authorities have issued an emergency evacuation order for the residents of Yuba County, which has an estimated population of 13 percent Punjabi-Americans and houses several gurudwaras, and other cities following fear of Oroville dam collapse.

The California Department of Water Resources has issued an emergency evacuation order on Facebook that reads, "Officials are anticipating a failure of the Auxiliary Spillway at Oroville Dam within the next 60 minutes. Residents of Oroville should evacuate in a northward direction, toward Chico. Other cities should follow the orders of their local law enforcement."

Evacuation has been ordered for parts of Yuba County including Hallwood, Marysville, Olivehurst, Linda and Plumas Lake.

Yuba County Office of Emergency Services also posted an evacuation order on Facebook saying, "Yes, an evacuation has been ordered. All Yuba County on the valley floor. The auxiliary spillway is close to failing. Please travel safely. Contact family and friends. Help the elderly. Take only routes to the east, south, or west. DO NOT TRAVEL NORTH TOWARD OROVILLE!!!!!"

According to Sacramento, California based Fox 40 news, officials said a hazardous situation is developing with the Oroville Dam auxiliary spillway. The operation of the auxiliary spillway has led to severe erosion that could lead to a failure of the auxiliary spillway and result in an uncontrolled release of flood waters from Lake Oroville.

The National Weather Service has issued a flash flood warning for a possible dam failure. The areas that can be affected are Oroville, Palermo, Gridley, Thermalito, South Oroville, Oroville Dam, Oroville East and Wyandotte.