The onslaught of recent natural disasters in Southern California has caused desolation due to the destruction of communities and many deaths. The natural disasters include mudslides and forest fires in Montecito, Santa Barbara County, Ventura, Ojai, San Diego, and Los Angeles.
At the end of 2017, the Thomas Fire, occurring between Ventura and Ojai, became the largest wildfire in California history according to the LA Times. Thousands of men and women fought to stop the fire from spreading. They were able to contain the fire, but there was still much damage done to the area. CNN recorded that the California wildfires destroyed over 1,000 structures.
“These disasters have caused a lot of tragedy and caused lots of damage very quickly,” said junior Sydney Anderson.
The hot and dry climate of California, coupled with lack of rain, was the primary factor of the fires, and the amount of damage they have caused is credited to high-speed winds that spread the flames quickly. Once the fires ended, they continued to wreak havoc by causing mudslides.
The mudslides in Southern California are the result of forest fire debris flowing down landslides or steep hills from heavy rain. These natural disasters have compelled many people to feel compassion towards California residents, especially as many people know others affected by this issue.
“The rising amount of deaths from natural disasters is definitely concerning,” said Anderson.
The unfortunate news regarding the hope for preventing these natural disasters is: there are none. Nothing can be done to control the weather. Even though nothing can be done to prevent this travesty, there are actions being taken to protect the people in areas threatened by mudslides.
“Emergency workers are a big help for the communities with providing food and water to the mudslide victims,” said senior Hayley Bray.
Mudslides have forced many California residents to evacuate their homes. Some towns were warned about the mudslides, but those that were not became trapped in their homes. Emergency workers have been vital to the rescue and revival of the mud submerged towns.
As the conditions of California become worse, communities have come together to donate clothes and water to the victims. People across the country have expressed their wishes for the well-being and future of California residents.
“I hope all of the people that have suffered devastation by the natural disasters find safety,” said Bray.