Significant landslide damage has occurred on Dauntless Drive close to the Portuguese Bend area in Rancho Palos Verdes, prompting an evacuation warning and electricity cut-offs on Sunday.
Southern California Edison has disconnected power to 140 residences in the Portuguese Bend neighborhood due to ongoing land shifts creating hazardous conditions.
This situation compounds the difficulties faced by local residents, who recently lost their gas service.
David Eisenhauer, a spokesperson for SoCal Edison, stated, “The land movement has created such a perilous circumstance that we must make the tough choice to cut power indefinitely. We never want to shut off power unless absolutely necessary. In this instance, safety takes precedence over providing electricity.”
Eisenhauer refrained from predicting when power might be restored, emphasizing the need to prioritize safety amid evolving conditions.
The city has issued an evacuation warning, urging residents to prepare for potential departure. “If you have pets, children, or require extra time to evacuate, now is the time to leave,” the city posted on social media. An official evacuation order would require immediate departure.
City Councilman Dave Bradley noted that if an evacuation becomes necessary, local authorities will coordinate with the Sheriff’s Department to ensure the safety of remaining residents.
Pat Burt, a long-time resident, is gathering supplies rather than evacuating. “We’re preparing to stay,” he said.
Recent reports indicate that land movement in the area is occurring at alarming rates, with shifts of up to a foot each week, posing significant challenges for residents and emergency services.
Residents had been informed of the power shut-off on Saturday, with many having already lost gas service weeks earlier. Mike Hong, a local resident, expressed frustration at the short notice, stating he learned of the power cut just an hour prior.
SoCal Edison had indicated that the power shut-off was a possibility following the gas service cut. Eisenhauer explained that the decision was made to ensure community safety, particularly after a small fire ignited near Narcissa Drive due to a fallen power line.
“We understand this is a tough time for Rancho Palos Verdes, and we’re seeking ways to maintain power,” Eisenhauer said, adding that the current land movement has necessitated the difficult decision to disconnect power.
Eisenhauer mentioned that there are no immediate plans to extend the power outages to other nearby areas experiencing land movement, but the situation is being continuously monitored.
A community support vehicle will be stationed in the neighborhood, offering water and information to residents, although no generators will be provided due to instability in the ground.
City officials have expressed concern that losing electricity could lead to further safety issues, as power is crucial for telecommunications and sewage systems, as well as for operating pumps that help manage groundwater responsible for the land movement.
The neighborhood still has a functioning sewer system, thanks to portable generators provided by the Portuguese Bend Community Association.
California Water Service, which supplies water to the area, has indicated they will continue their service, although recent developments remain unclear.
Councilman Bradley emphasized the need for external assistance in addressing the land movement, stating, “This issue exceeds the city’s capacity, and we need support from county, state, and federal partners to find effective solutions.”