(The Center Square) – With winter rains entering full swing, California leaders are preparing fire-damaged communities against the threat of landslides by prepositioning emergency teams and equipment, and streamlining environmental rules that could hamper emergency efforts.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed two executive orders targeting landslide responses, the first streamlining debris removal and the shoring up of hillsides by suspending some environmental rules and approval procedures for 90 days, or through the end of the rainy season.
The second order directs state emergency response teams to start filling up sandbags, and preposition staff and equipment to contain dangerous mudslides.
“Even before we saw rain on the horizon in Los Angeles, I directed my departments and agencies to act fast to protect neighborhoods from potentially hazardous debris flows,” said Newsom in a statement. “By stationing resources and staff in key locations, we can help make a difference as we transition from fire response to storm preparedness.”
Newsom’s office highlighted that burned areas are especially susceptible to mudslides, as they no longer have plants to keep hillsides in place. The state is also installing barriers to prevent toxic runoff from burned-out areas from entering waterways.
Videos taken near the Pacific Palisades capturing images of runoff filled with burned particles and debris suggest that state and local governments must take further action to ensure that the state’s waterways and coast are protected from further contamination.
