Southern California experienced severe climate-related challenges recently, with significant wildfires followed by heavy rains causing floods and mudslides. The aftermath of the fires left the landscape vulnerable, leading to destructive mud and debris flows, particularly impacting areas like Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Capt. Erik Scott of the Los Angeles Fire Department emphasized the immediate hazards of cleaning up the fire debris while dealing with new threats from the rains. The situation showcased the dangerous cycle of droughts followed by deluges often affecting this region.
Just five weeks ago, Pacific Coast Highway was smoldering from one of the most destructive firestorms in Los Angeles County history, with burned-out shells where scores of oceanside homes once stood.
Southern California is used to the cycle of drought and deluge, where fires are followed by flooding and debris flows.
This was a one-two punch,” said Capt. Erik Scott. “There’s an abundance of hazardous materials that needs to be removed, followed by fire debris removal, quickly followed by rain and mud, debris flow - all within a month and a half.
At the height of the storm, mudslides rushed down Altadena streets, sending people running.
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