Even more homes in Rancho Palos Verdes have had their power shut off amid an ongoing — and devastating — landslide crisis that has rocked the California community.
In the last few weeks, hundreds of homes have lost power, as companies have stated that power shut-offs must happen to keep people safe.
Hundreds of California Homes Without Power
Last week, Southern California Edison officials revealed that 140 homes would have their power shut off in the Portuguese Bend area of Rancho Palos Verdes.
One day later, the company then announced an additional 105 homes would also have their power completely shut off. Some homeowners only had short notice before this occurred.
More Homes Added to the List
Now, that number has grown. SoCal Edison has just revealed that 54 more homes in the same region of the California city will have their power shut off.
This announcement was made on Sunday. The company then added that electricity would be fully shut off by Monday evening.
Other Power Shutoffs
SoCal Edison isn’t the only company cutting electricity off to hundreds of their customers.
Cox Communication recently revealed that they would disconnect from about 146 customers located in the Portuguese Bend Community Association.
Gas Shutoffs Seen
Power and electricity have been turned off for many homes in Rancho Palos Verdes. However, some homes have also seen gas shutoffs in recent weeks.
Last Friday, SoCalGas cut off gas service to 29 homes located in the western Seaview area, as well as 25 homes in the Portuguese Bend Beach Club.
A Gas Break
Officials have explained that a gas line break — one that was very sudden — occurred, which is why these homes had their gas cut off.
This decision was made immediately in order to keep things safe for the community. The company said, “There is no way to safely continue gas service to 16 homes on Admirable Drive, eight homes on Dauntless Drive and five homes on Palos Verdes Drive.”
Hundreds of Homes Without Gas
This decision after a gas line break comes after more than 130 homes also were cut off from their gas supply earlier this year.
Homes in the Portuguese Bend area were once again affected. SoCalGas stated that, to keep the community safe, they had to completely cut off gas to these homes.
Land Movement Is to Blame
Company officials have blamed the ongoing land movement for why these electric and gas shut-offs had to happen.
Rancho Palos Verdes has historically been known to experience landslides. However, heavy rain in recent years has led to extreme land movement being seen in the region.
An Ongoing Situation
Because the threat of major landslides remains a very real possibility, companies have decided to shut off their power and gas lines.
This has all been done to keep the community safe, as land movement could potentially break equipment and lead to disastrous situations, such as leaks or fires.
No Mandatory Evacuations Yet
Though many homeowners have been told they can leave their homes — and community centers have opened up to help those with no power — the city hasn’t declared any mandatory evacuations yet.
However, authorities have warned the public to be ready to leave at a moment’s notice because of the ongoing situation. Regardless, many have stayed in their homes.
An Emergency Declaration
Because of this ongoing issue, California Governor Gavin Newsom has issued a state of emergency for Rancho Palos Verdes.
Thanks to this declaration, the state can now help the city use its resources and assist in response to this crisis.
No Playbook
Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn has explained that there’s no official playbook to use when trying to solve this emergency.
“There is no playbook for an emergency like this one,” Hahn said. “We’re sparing no expense. … This is bigger than Rancho Palos Verdes. The land movement is so gigantic and so damaging that one city should not have to bear the burden alone.”
