Residents of a city near Los Angeles are facing a challenging situation as more than 200 homes are set to have their power cut off due to a long-running ground shift that is posing a threat to utility lines. The affected area, Rancho Palos Verdes, is experiencing unprecedented ground movement, leading to safety concerns and power outages.
The city council member, Barbara Ferraro, expressed the gravity of the situation, stating that the ongoing ground shift has left authorities unsure of the appropriate course of action. Southern California Edison has already disconnected electricity to 140 homes in the Portuguese Bend community, with the outage deemed indefinite due to the imminent danger posed by the shifting ground to utility poles and the increased risk of fires.
Recent incidents, such as a small fire caused by a fallen power line due to land movement, highlight the hazardous conditions in the area. SoCal Edison spokesperson Kathleen Dunleavy emphasized the dangers, prompting the company to notify an additional 105 customers of impending power cuts as a precautionary measure.
Rancho Palos Verdes, located in southwestern Los Angeles County, has been grappling with gradual land movement for decades. However, the acceleration of ground shifting in the past year, with some areas moving up to 10 inches per week, has raised concerns among officials and residents alike.
In response to the escalating situation, law enforcement, led by Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna, is intensifying patrols in the community and utilizing drones to prevent looting. Luna issued a stern warning, stating that individuals attempting to exploit the disaster will face legal consequences.
The city has been under a local state of emergency since October 2023, with natural gas service already shut off in the affected neighborhood. Los Angeles County has allocated an additional $5 million for disaster response, and efforts are underway to urge Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes to facilitate further assistance.
Fourth District Supervisor Janice Hahn emphasized the urgency of the situation, calling for enhanced support from state and federal authorities to address the unprecedented challenges posed by the accelerating ground movement in Rancho Palos Verdes.
