California has been hit by storms and torrential rains, floods and landslides threaten the region. Local authorities report three victims and have declared a state of emergency in several districts.
The state of California in the west of the USA was hit by heavy torrential rains caused by a series of storms and caused extensive floods and landslides. According to local authorities, the storms have so far claimed at least three victims, reports TASR based on the AFP agency and the BBC station.
- California has been hit by heavy rains causing floods and landslides.
- The storms have claimed at least three lives so far.
- California’s governor has declared a state of emergency in southern counties.
- Approximately 100,000 people were left without electricity.
- The storms were caused by the atmospheric river Pineapple Express.
In parts of Los Angeles County, up to 27 centimeters of rain fell, leading to numerous evacuations and several road closures. The rescuers had to intervene in several places. California Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for some counties in the southern part of the state on Wednesday. About 100,000 people were without power in California on Thursday evening. Warnings for heavy rainfall and strong winds will also be in effect on Friday.
They call for safety
One of the victims is a 64-year-old man from San Diego who was hit by a tree on Wednesday, according to police. Another 74-year-old person died in floods over the weekend as police tried to rescue him from his vehicle. Among the victims is a woman in her 70s, who died on Monday after being “knocked off a rock by a large wave and swept into the ocean”.
“I urge all residents of the City of Los Angeles (LA) to stay safe and use extreme caution on the roads if they must travel,” LA Mayor Karen Bass said in a statement Wednesday. “Please do not take this storm lightly,” she added.
AFP explains that the storms were caused by the so-called an atmospheric river known as the Pineapple Express that brought moisture from Hawaii to California. According to forecasts, it could bring rainfall to the region that would normally fall over several months.
