After five long dry years, California is now finally praying for a break.
California biggest reservoirs, once at record lows, are now at capacity or overflowing from record rain and snow.
One of the reservoirs affected is the Oroville Lake reservoir behind the Oroville Dam. Nearly 200,000 residents were evacuated recently over fears of the dam failing and possible flooding.
“I feel bad for the people affected in Oroville, it’s good that we got so much water, but it sucks that it came so quick that it flooded,” said Delta College student Shawn Green.
Delta students are unanimous: compared to a year ago the drought is almost nonexistent.
“You can really notice it in the grass, it is so green now compared to a year ago,” said Delta College student Casey Wilson.
Record-setting rain and snow has all of California out of the exceptional drought that it has been in.
Compared to a year ago, California was at 99.7 percent statewide drought and 38.5 percent exceptional drought. Today California is experiencing a 58.5 percent statewide drought and a 0 percent exceptional drought, according to the Weather Channel.
Nearly two years ago, Gov. Jerry Brown ordered emergency mandatory water restrictions for urban areas. Brown has since lifted those restrictions.
In a statement on his website, gov.ca.gov, Brown addressed the current situation.
“I’ve been in close contact with emergency personnel managing the situation in Oroville throughout the weekend and it’s clear the circumstances are complex and rapidly changing,I want to thank local and state law enforcement for leading evacuation efforts and doing their part to keep residents safe. The state is directing all necessary personnel and resources to deal with this very serious situation.”
At least one Delta College student thinks Gov. Brown is doing a good job.
“I feel we’re no longer in that state of emergency. It was a problem that easily got fixed and it’s good it lasted as long as it did and not longer. I fell we’d be prepared for the next drought emergency, and we’d know how to resolve it quicker. I respect Gov. Brown, I think he’s a good governor,” said Delta College student Jay Andrade.