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Landslides have been causing significant disruptions in a posh neighborhood in Los Angeles. The landslides have resulted in a power outage for numerous homes perched on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean in Rancho Palos Verdes, located 25 miles south of downtown Los Angeles in LA County. Authorities have reported that the unstable soil in the area has been deteriorating rapidly in recent months, leading to concerns about safety and potential damage.
Utility providers have taken steps to prevent fires and other damage caused by the shifting soil in the area. Despite the risks, some residents have chosen to remain in their multi-million dollar mansions. However, in an effort to ensure safety, Southern California Edison has already disconnected power to 140 homes in Portuguese Bend, with additional outages expected in the near future.
City council member David Bradley expressed alarm at the rate of acceleration of the landslides, stating that some areas are moving up to 10 inches a week. The situation has become so severe that the ground movement is visible to the naked eye. Further exacerbating the issue is the fact that the gas and water supply to the luxury neighborhood have also been disconnected.
The landslide, which spans across 680 acres, has been progressing slowly over the years. Experts believe that the heavy rainfall in California over the past two years has accelerated the movement of the soil. In light of the escalating situation, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn has called for additional support from both the state and federal government, requesting California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in the area.
In response to the crisis, Sheriff Robert Luna has announced plans to utilize drones to monitor the affected area. However, some residents are expressing frustration with the utility providers for disconnecting their power. Resident Jim Denver criticized Southern California Edison for leaving them without power and refusing to provide assistance. Another homeowner, Tom Keefer, defiantly stated that despite the warnings, they have no intention of leaving their homes.
The landslides in Portuguese Bend have been further exacerbated by the reactivation of historic landslides due to the extension of the county’s 1956 Crenshaw Boulevard. In addition to causing power outages, the landslides have also led to structural damage, with houses shifting hundreds of feet over time and major roads cracking and shifting. The city has been forced to spend significant money on restoration efforts, highlighting the scope of the challenges posed by the ongoing landslides.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is clear that the landslides in Rancho Palos Verdes pose a significant risk to both property and human safety. The cooperation of residents, authorities, and utility providers will be crucial in managing the crisis and ensuring the well-being of those affected by the ongoing landslides. Efforts to monitor, assess, and address the situation must be coordinated and proactive to mitigate further damage and disruptions in the area.
