Hundreds of homes have had their power shut off indefinitely as an ongoing landslide crisis rocks a community in California.
For weeks now, neighborhoods in Rancho Palos Verdes have been told by utility companies that they would lose power because of shifting land. Now, even more communities are being affected by this massive problem.
Power Shutoffs in California
Recently, power was officially shut off to about 140 homes in Rancho Palos Verdes.
Just this weekend, more Californians learned that they would also have their power shut off suddenly this Monday. An additional 105 homes will be affected by this sudden announcement.
Accelerated Land Movement
Southern California Edison is shutting off this power because of the threat of devastating landslides.
SoCal Edison spokesman Reggie Kumar explained, “We did notify an additional 105 customers that their power will be shut off as of (Monday) evening. Again this is due to the accelerated land movement that is causing damage to our electrical equipment and we have to turn off the power to keep everyone safe.”
Shifting Land
According to SoCal Edison, shifting land in the Rancho Palos Verdes has increased the threat of possible devastation.
Specifically, if landslides begin to occur in this region, electrical equipment could be greatly damaged. This electrical equipment could then represent a danger to locals.
Worsening Landslides
Rancho Palos Verdes has seen an increase in landslides, thanks to the heavy rains experienced last year.
According to officials, these worsening landslides have impacted about 680 acres in the region. Homes, utility equipment, and roads have been damaged as more landslides have appeared.
An Ongoing Emergency
County Supervisor Janice Hahn revealed that this ongoing crisis will continue to impact locals.
“There is no playbook for an emergency like this one,” Hahn said. “… We’re sparing no expense. … This is bigger than Rancho Palos Verdes. This land movement is so gigantic and so damaging, that one city should not have to bear the burden alone.”
Indefinite Power Shutoffs
Unfortunately, some Californians are looking at indefinite power shutoffs.
While SoCal Edison has explained that most of these shutoffs will be temporary and only last 24 hours, others will last about 1 to 3 weeks. These shutoffs won’t be lifted until repairs and re-routing is done. Meanwhile, about 20 homes will lose power indefinitely.
A Mind-Blowing Event
Many residents affected by this sudden power shutoff have talked to local reporters about how crazy this entire situation is.
“It’s just kind of mind-blowing,” one resident said. “It doesn’t feel legal.”
Evacuations Begin
Because of this landslide crisis, government officials have placed many residents in Rancho Palos Verdes under an evacuation warning.
This weekend, about 140 homes were placed under this warning, though many homeowners chose to stay, as they had backup generators.
Residents Should Be Prepared to Leave
Authorities have warned those in the evacuation areas that if they stay, they should be ready to leave at a moment’s notice in case the threat of land shifting escalates.
The city of Rancho Palos Verdes also told residents with their power shut off to not use plumbing or water, as this could lead to a sewer spill.
Emergency Centers Open Up
Emergency centers have been opened up in the community to help those affected by these sudden power shutoffs.
City officials will be at these centers to help answer questions residents have, as well as point them in the right direction about where they can stay while their power is shut off. Officials will offer residents discounted hotel rates, as well as places where their animals and pets can board.
Power May Continue to Be Shut Off
SoCal Edison has also warned the public in this region that they may continue to shut off power for additional residents if this threat of shifting land continues.
Recently, land movement resulted in a 10,000-gallon sewer spill on private property, which underscores “the urgent need to slow the land movement and prevent a major sewer failure, which would have a far-reaching impact across the Peninsula.”
