Rancho Palos Verdes Landslides: Power Off & Evacuation Warned

Experts and City Council members are trying to figure out what to do about the vast landslides that Rancho Palos Verdes is having.Photo byJason Armond/Los Angeles Times/Getty Images

As if excessive heat and fires haven't been enough this summer in parts of California, severe landslides have now become a problem. The Portuguese Bend Community in Rancho Palos Verdes, California, near Los Angeles has had evacuations as well as their power shut off. Over 200 homes are going to be without power due to shifts in the ground that are causing extreme damage in the area. At this time, Southern California Edison does not know when all of the residents in the area will have power. An evacuation warning was also issued.

What is worse is that with the shifting ground, there is an increased possibility of fires being caused due to the risk that energy poles and wires may be damaged and cause sparks. Gas lines are also a worry. The landslides and shifting ground have been an issue for several years, but the heavy rains of 2023 seemed to make the problem much more extreme. Over 680 acres are affected. Authorities also say to not use water or sewage during the power shutoff. Some experts say the ground is moving a foot a week.

The State of California website for government agencies for Rancho Palos Verdes, California, has posted the outages on their websites and says that the power outages are indefinite.

City Council Member Barbara Ferraro said on Sunday that “this is unprecedented, and no one knows really what to do.”