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Increasing landslides have caused a major power outage in the upscale Los Angeles neighborhood of Rancho Palos Verdes. The cliffside homes overlooking the Pacific Ocean have been affected by the unstable soil that has deteriorated significantly in recent months. Utility providers such as Southern California Edison are working to prevent potential fires and other damage caused by the shifting soil.
According to city council member David Bradley, the movement of the soil has accelerated drastically over the past year, with some areas moving up to 10 inches a week. This rapid movement has become a cause for concern as residents in multi-million dollar mansions are being forced to evacuate due to the unstable conditions.
On Sunday, Southern California Edison disconnected power to 140 homes in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood and more outages are expected. The continuous movement of the ground has made it unsafe for residents to remain in their homes, leading to gas and water services being disconnected in the area as well.
The 680-acre landslide has been progressing slowly over the years, but experts believe that heavy rainfall in California over the past two years has accelerated the process. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely as they fear the risk of wildfires due to fallen power lines and other potential hazards.
During a press conference, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn expressed the need for more response from both state and federal government officials. She mentioned that $5 million has been allocated for disaster assistance, but further aid is required to address the escalating situation in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Sheriff Robert Luna has deployed drones to surveil the area and ensure the safety of residents and properties. Despite warnings from authorities, some residents are refusing to evacuate. Homeowner Tom Keefer stated, “They can send all the warnings they want. We won’t leave.” The stubbornness of some residents has posed a challenge for emergency responders and officials trying to mitigate the crisis.
The historic landslides in the area, including the slow-moving one in Portuguese Bend, have been a recurring issue for the city. The Crenshaw Boulevard extension in 1956 reactivated these landslides, leading to property damage and road infrastructure issues that cost the city millions of dollars annually for repairs.
The situation in Rancho Palos Verdes remains unstable as experts continue to monitor the shifting soil and provide updates on the ongoing landslides. Residents are urged to follow evacuation orders and cooperate with authorities to ensure their safety and well-being in the face of this natural disaster.
