LOS ANGELES — A landslide destroyed a hillside home and imperiled at least two others in Los Angeles early Wednesday.
The slide occurred just before 3 a.m. in Sherman Oaks, a neighborhood of expensive homes about 12 miles (19 kilometers) northwest of downtown. An initial search found no victims, but several people were evacuated from one house, the Los Angeles Fire Department said in a statement.
There was no immediate word on the cause of the landslide, but numerous slides have happened in Southern California due to drenching winter storms that saturated the ground.
News helicopter video revealed the extent of the slide. The destroyed house, which appeared to be in the midst of a renovation, was reduced to a jumble of lumber. Next door, the slide pulled a pool and deck area away from a house. Up the hill, the slide left a tennis court and pool on the edge of a huge fissure.
“Department of Building and Safety is responding to assess the structures and hillsides,” the Fire Department said.
Southern California has seen a lull in storms in recent days, but slides and rockfalls have continued. Some rain could return this weekend, the National Weather Service said.
In recent news, two homes in Los Angeles are facing the imminent threat of a destructive landslide. The unstable ground beneath these properties has been slowly eroding, putting the structures at risk of collapsing. This alarming situation has raised concerns among residents and local authorities, who are working tirelessly to find a solution before it’s too late.
The first home, located in the Hollywood Hills, has been experiencing significant soil movement in recent months. The homeowner noticed cracks forming in the walls and floors, as well as doors that no longer close properly. Geologists have determined that the property is situated on a steep slope with unstable soil composition, making it vulnerable to landslides. Despite efforts to reinforce the foundation, the risk of a catastrophic event remains high.
The second home, located in the Pacific Palisades area, is also facing a similar threat. Heavy rainfall and erosion have weakened the hillside on which the property sits, causing it to slowly slide downhill. The homeowner has been forced to evacuate the premises as the situation continues to worsen. Geotechnical experts have been called in to assess the stability of the slope and determine the best course of action to prevent further damage.
Landslides are a common natural disaster in hilly and mountainous regions like Los Angeles, where heavy rainfall and soil erosion can destabilize the ground. Climate change has also been linked to an increase in landslides, as extreme weather events become more frequent and intense. It is crucial for homeowners in these areas to be aware of the risks and take proactive measures to protect their properties.
Local authorities are urging residents in landslide-prone areas to stay vigilant and report any signs of soil movement or erosion immediately. Geotechnical surveys and inspections should be conducted regularly to assess the stability of the land and identify potential hazards. In some cases, homeowners may need to consider relocating or reinforcing their properties to mitigate the risk of landslides.
As we continue to witness the devastating effects of landslides on homes and communities, it is essential for individuals and governments to prioritize disaster preparedness and risk mitigation. By taking proactive measures and investing in sustainable land management practices, we can help prevent future tragedies and protect our homes from destructive landslides.
