What's happened
In Rancho Palos Verdes, California, ongoing landslides have led to power and gas shutoffs for hundreds of homes. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as residents face evacuation warnings and significant property damage. The area has seen rapid land movement, exacerbated by severe storms over the past two years.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency as landslides threaten homes in Rancho Palos Verdes, stating, "This land movement is so gigantic and so damaging that one city or one homeowners organization should not have to bear this burden alone." The Independent reported that residents are struggling with power outages and gas shutoffs, with one resident describing the situation as "almost unbelievable... just watching your house sink away." The New York Times emphasized the rapid increase in land movement, noting that it has accelerated to nearly four feet a month, which is a significant change from previous rates. This situation underscores the urgent need for state and federal assistance to address the ongoing crisis.
How we got here
The landslide activity in Rancho Palos Verdes has intensified due to heavy rainfall over the past two years, causing significant ground movement. This has resulted in the evacuation of residents and the shutdown of utilities to prevent fires and ensure safety.
Common question
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What caused the state of emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes?
California is facing a significant crisis as Governor Gavin Newsom declares a state of emergency in Rancho Palos Verdes due to severe land movement and power outages. This situation raises many questions about safety measures, community impact, and the long-term implications of such natural events.
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What Are the Impacts of Landslides on California Communities?
Landslides in California, particularly in Rancho Palos Verdes, have become a pressing issue, leading to power cuts and emergency declarations. As communities grapple with the aftermath of severe storms and rapid land movement, many residents are left wondering about the implications for their safety and infrastructure. Here are some common questions regarding the current situation.
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What caused the recent landslides in California?
California is currently facing a crisis as landslides wreak havoc in Rancho Palos Verdes, leading to power cuts and evacuations. Understanding the causes and implications of these landslides is crucial for residents and those following the news. Below are some common questions and answers regarding this ongoing situation.
More on these topics
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California is a state in the Pacific Region of the United States. With 39.5 million residents across a total area of about 163,696 square miles, California is the most populous U.S. state and the third-largest by area, and is also the world's thirty-fourt
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Rancho Palos Verdes, is a coastal city located in Los Angeles County, California atop the bluffs of the Palos Verdes Peninsula, neighboring other cities in the Palos Verdes Hills, including Palos Verdes Estates, Rolling Hills and Rolling Hills Estates.
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Southern California Edison, the largest subsidiary of Edison International, is the primary electricity supply company for much of Southern California.
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Gavin Christopher Newsom is an American politician and businessman who is the 40th governor of California, serving since January 2019.