Heavy rainstorms in California cause flash floods, mudslides, and three deaths
Severe rainstorms have swept across southern California, leaving at least three people dead and prompting officials to declare a state of emergency in Los Angeles and surrounding counties. The storms, which brought intense rainfall in a short period, triggered flash floods, mudslides, and widespread road closures, causing significant disruption to daily life.
Emergency services reported multiple incidents, including vehicles trapped in floodwaters and homes damaged by mud and debris. Rescue teams are working around the clock to reach affected residents, while authorities have issued evacuation orders for vulnerable areas prone to flooding and landslides.
Local officials stressed that the combination of heavy rainfall and California’s dry, fire-scarred landscapes has increased the risk of sudden landslides, as water-soaked soil becomes unstable. Authorities warned residents to stay off roads where flooding has occurred and to follow official guidance to ensure safety.
The state of emergency allows authorities to mobilise additional resources, including National Guard units, and to coordinate relief and cleanup efforts more effectively. Power outages and transport disruptions are ongoing, with officials advising people to avoid unnecessary travel until conditions improve.
Weather experts have said the storms are part of a broader pattern of extreme weather affecting California, and they have urged residents to remain vigilant as rainfall continues in the coming days. The events have highlighted both the region’s vulnerability to sudden natural disasters and the ongoing challenges of preparing for increasingly volatile weather conditions.