Severe Flooding In San Jose Displaces Thousands

Heavy rain in early October 2025 overfilled reservoirs and caused major flooding across San Jose, forcing thousands of residents to evacuate as water surged from Coyote Creek into surrounding neighborhoods. City officials declared a local emergency as rescue crews worked around the clock to protect lives and property.

The flooding began when days of intense rainfall filled Anderson Reservoir completely and released large volumes of water into Coyote Creek. The overflow quickly spread into residential areas near Rock Springs, Naglee Park, and South San Jose, leaving streets submerged and hundreds of homes damaged. More than 14,000 residents were under mandatory evacuation orders, with some wading through waist-deep water to reach safety.

“It was terrifying — the water came faster than anyone expected,” said one resident who lives near Kelley Park.

According to city reports, the damage to both public infrastructure and private property has already surpassed $70 million. While three homes were destroyed, nearly a thousand sustained minor damage, and hundreds more remain temporarily uninhabitable. Officials are now seeking state and federal disaster funds to support repairs and recovery.

For students and families in the South Bay, the floods have disrupted daily routines, closed schools temporarily, and strained access to transportation. Teachers at local schools say the disaster has highlighted how quickly natural events can impact community safety and mental health.

The aftermath has left a visible mark on the city. Piles of soaked furniture and debris line sidewalks, while volunteers and aid groups organize cleanup drives. The San Jose Fire Department, Red Cross, and local churches have set up temporary shelters for displaced residents, offering food, water, and counseling. City leaders have called for an internal review of how flood warnings were communicated. Reports indicate that engineers raised concerns days before the flood, but key information wasn’t fully shared with the public. The event has renewed debate over infrastructure investment, dam maintenance, and emergency response systems. For many residents, the flood serves as a wake-up call about the changing weather patterns in California and the need for community readiness.

Photo by Khanh Do | Bay Area faced increased rain.