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The aftermath of one of the wettest storms in southern California's history has left Los Angeles grappling with the devastating aftermath, as at least 475 mudslides have been reported across the city.
According to a report from Sky News, the deluge, which dumped between six and 12 inches of rain in Los Angeles over a span of just three days, has saturated the hillsides and triggered a wave of mudslides, prompting officials to issue warnings of further dangers.
LA Mayor Karen Bass expressed concerns, stating, "Our hillsides are already saturated. So even not very heavy rains could still lead to additional mudslides."
The extreme weather has claimed seven lives statewide, with three fatalities reported yesterday amid treacherous conditions. Additionally, nearly 400 trees have fallen in the city, exacerbating the chaos.
Fire Chief Kristin Crowley highlighted the extent of the damage, noting that at least three dozen buildings require inspection due to mudslide damage and hillside slope failures. Seven structures have been deemed unsafe, further compounding the crisis.
Residents like Dion Peronneau are witnessing the devastation firsthand. Peronneau described how her home of 25 years was struck by a mudslide, shattering sliding glass doors and inundating her property with eight feet of mud.
Amid the chaos, the National Weather Service warns of another heavy burst of rain expected Wednesday evening, further complicating recovery efforts.
The recent storm system, known as an atmospheric river, brought heavy snows to the mountains and inundated California with moisture from the Pacific. Experts caution that such extreme weather events may become more frequent and severe if climate change continues unabated.
Yet, amidst the chaos, there is a silver lining. The rain has replenished water supplies, with Marty Adams, general manager of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, noting that over one billion gallons of rainwater have been captured for groundwater and local supplies.
As Los Angeles grapples with the aftermath of the historic storm, residents and officials alike remain vigilant, bracing for the potential of further devastation while also looking toward recovery and resilience in the face of nature's fury.
[With information sourced from Sky News]
