Southern California residents are facing new threats after rain fell over neighborhoods most impacted by recent wildfires. The rain, which fell on Saturday and is expected to continue on Sunday, has helped fire crews to slow the wildfires that started burning on January 7. However, officials are now warning about the potential of mudslides and “toxic ash” runoff from the rain. Toxic ash is all the charred materials from the fires and it can contain pesticides, asbestos, plastics and lead. Officials say more evacuations may be necessary to deal with the new threats.
“So the problem would be if one of those showers happens to park itself over a burn area,” weather service meteorologist Carol Smith told the AP. “That could be enough to create debris flows.”
Days ago, President Donald Trump met with Governor Gavin Newsom in Los Angeles to survey the damage. Trump said he would back the state, but floated conditions for receiving disaster aid.
5 Comments
Marishka
Sending love and support to everyone impacted by this disaster.
Pupsik
Thankful for the rain helping to contain the fires, but now we need to be prepared for the mudslides and ash.
Marishka
Let's not lose hope. We will rebuild and recover from this.
Pupsik
We can get through this together.
Marishka
Let's not forget the animals affected by the fires and mudslides. Donate to animal rescue organizations if you can.