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Landslides have caused widespread power outages in a luxurious neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. The area of Rancho Palos Verdes, located on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, has been significantly affected by the unstable soil and rapid movements of the earth. This has led to the disruption of electricity in many multi-million dollar homes in the region.
Authorities have reported that the soil in Rancho Palos Verdes has been deteriorating over the past few months, leading to increased landslides and instability in the area. The movement of the land has been so severe that some areas are moving up to 10 inches per week, according to city council member David Bradley. This has caused significant concern among residents and officials as they work to prevent potential fires and damage to property.
Southern California Edison, the local utility provider, has been forced to disconnect power to 140 homes in Portuguese Bend, with more outages expected in the coming days. The decision to cut power indefinitely was made in order to prevent equipment from igniting wildfires due to the dangerous conditions caused by the land movement. Gas and water services in the area have also been disconnected as a precautionary measure.
The landslide in Portuguese Bend covers an expansive area of 680 acres and has been slowly progressing over the years. Experts believe that the heavy rainfall in California over the past two years has accelerated the movement of the soil and rocks. This has created a significant challenge for residents and officials as they work to address the ongoing crisis.
During a press conference, LA County Supervisor Janice Hahn expressed the urgent need for additional support from the state and federal government. She highlighted the $5 million that had been allocated for disaster assistance but stressed that more resources were required to effectively address the situation. Hahn called upon California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency and provide further aid to the affected community.
Sheriff Robert Luna announced that authorities would be using drones to monitor the area and assess the extent of the damage caused by the landslides. Residents in the area have expressed frustration and concern over the power outages, with some feeling abandoned by utility companies. Despite warnings to evacuate, many homeowners have chosen to remain in their properties and risk the potential dangers posed by the unstable terrain.
The history of landslides in the region dates back to the construction of the 1956 Crenshaw Boulevard extension, which activated a network of historic landslides in the area. This includes the slow-moving landslide that has gradually shifted houses and roads over time, leading to significant costs for the city in terms of repairs and maintenance. The ongoing challenges posed by the landslides in Portuguese Bend underscore the need for comprehensive action and support from government officials to ensure the safety and well-being of the community.
