State Of Emergency Declared In Rancho Palos Verdes

A reporter walks upstairs next to a broken sidewalk at the entrance to Wayfarers Chapel, also known as "The Glass Church," in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif., Wednesday, May 15, 2024. The modernist chapel

Recent landslides in Rancho Palos Verdes, an oceanfront community near Los Angeles, have prompted California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency. The area has experienced gradual land movement for years, but the situation has escalated dramatically, causing significant damage to homes, roads, and infrastructure.

Reports indicate that 54 additional homes are expected to lose power due to the ongoing land movement. Residents describe the unsettling sight of roads buckling and homes being threatened by the shifting ground. The situation has become so severe that natural gas services were discontinued for some residents in July, with more utility shutoffs occurring in recent weeks.

The land movement has also posed a threat to essential infrastructure, such as water and sewer lines. A recent incident involving a fallen power line igniting a small fire highlighted the risks associated with the unstable ground. Officials are struggling to address the unprecedented level of earth movement, which is pulling infrastructure beyond its limits.

Governor Newsom's declaration of a state of emergency aims to mobilize resources for emergency response efforts. The accelerated land movement, averaging 9 to 12 inches per week, has left many families in distress, unsure of how to cope with the ongoing crisis. Residents are witnessing their homes and streets deteriorate before their eyes, with some facing the prospect of remaining in damaged properties.

For many residents, the impact extends beyond property damage, affecting their livelihoods and daily lives. The situation has created a sense of uncertainty and anxiety among the community, as they grapple with the reality of living in an area plagued by rapid land movement.

The lack of a clear roadmap for addressing such a crisis has left residents feeling helpless and overwhelmed. Despite the perception of affluence in Rancho Palos Verdes, many individuals are struggling to navigate the challenges posed by the ongoing landslides. The urgency of the situation underscores the need for coordinated efforts to support those affected and mitigate further damage in the community.