Los Angeles Responds to Hundreds of Mudslides and Fallen Trees During Relentless Storm
Los Angeles has been battling a relentless storm this week, with firefighters and emergency crews responding to numerous mudslides and fallen trees. Despite the chaos, there have been no storm-related fatalities reported in the city, thanks to the vigilant response of Angelenos heeding the warnings. However, officials are urging residents to remain cautious even after the rain subsides, as the ground may continue to shift.
According to Los Angeles Fire Department Chief, the city has experienced a staggering 475 reports of mudslides and 390 fallen trees since the atmospheric river storm began on Sunday. Firefighters have been working diligently to extinguish a dozen structure fires and conduct several successful water rescues. Additionally, other city departments have been clearing 919 spots where the stormwater system became clogged.
The storm has also caused significant damage to infrastructure, with over 440 reports of new potholes. Crews are now focused on addressing these issues, ensuring the safety of motorists. On a positive note, the city’s Department of Water and Power has managed to restore electricity to more than 59,000 customers, providing a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.
Los Angeles residents have been relying heavily on non-emergency services during this crisis, with over 4,500 calls made since the storm began. Concerns regarding clogged drains and potholes have inundated these services, further highlighting the magnitude of the storm’s impact. However, officials remain resilient, stating that Los Angeles will rebuild, recover, and emerge stronger from this natural disaster.
One neighborhood that has particularly suffered from mudslides is Studio City. At least two homes in this area have incurred heavy damage. Firefighters remain concerned about the situation due to the saturation of hillsides caused by previous storms. The earth’s capacity to absorb water is limited, making it susceptible to further slides. Similarly, the Beverly Crest neighborhood has reported two yellow-tagged homes, urging residents to avoid nonessential travel and prepare for additional flows of debris and mud.
While the rain has slightly subsided, most of Southern California remains under flood watches. The National Weather Service has issued warnings for residents to remain vigilant, as swollen creeks and rivers pose a risk of drowning and necessitate swift-water rescues. Meteorologist Ariel Cohen stated that this storm is historic for Los Angeles, ranking as the city’s third-wettest two-day stretch since recording began in the 1870s. The storm has already dumped more than half of the city’s seasonal rainfall in just two days.
Firefighters were called to a massive debris flow in Beverly Crest, where they assisted stranded residents from seven evacuated homes, including children. Authorities expressed relief that the storm has not caused any major catastrophes or fatalities in Los Angeles thus far. However, in Northern California, three people lost their lives due to strong winds that toppled trees after the storm made landfall.
Mayor Karen Bass commended residents for adhering to the calls to stay off the roads and urged them to continue doing so as the rain persists. She emphasized that Los Angeles is well-equipped to handle significant challenges, and by standing united, the city will overcome this crisis.
The storm, which arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday and lingered, is expected to produce fierce downpours of up to an inch of rain per hour, posing a precarious situation as the soil is already saturated from back-to-back atmospheric rivers that battered California within a week.
While Los Angeles grapples with the aftermath of this relentless storm, the resilience and determination of its residents shine through. As the city rebuilds and recovers, it is evident that adversity only strengthens its resolve.
