KATHMANDU, Dec 26 : Torrential rain and widespread flooding swept across California on Christmas night, killing at least three people and prompting authorities to declare a state of emergency in several regions.
Reuters and the Associated Press reported that relentless downpours triggered flash floods and landslides across large swathes of the state, particularly in Southern California, where saturated ground and overflowing waterways posed serious risks to residents. Emergency services were placed on high alert as the storm system intensified.
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Parts of Los Angeles County recorded as much as 27 centimeters of rainfall, inundating neighborhoods, submerging vehicles and forcing authorities to order evacuations in low-lying and landslide-prone areas. Several major highways and arterial roads were closed due to flooding, mudslides and fallen debris, disrupting holiday travel.
International media outlets said emergency rescue teams carried out dozens of operations, including rescuing people trapped inside vehicles swept into floodwaters. Firefighters and swift-water rescue units were deployed throughout the region as conditions deteriorated. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for Los Angeles and other Southern California counties, citing the threat to life, property and critical infrastructure.
The declaration allows the state to mobilize additional resources and speed up disaster response efforts. The storm also caused widespread power outages, with nearly 100,000 residents across California left without electricity as strong winds and flooding damaged power lines and substations, according to reports carried by major international news agencies.
Forecasters warned that the storm system could persist through Friday, raising concerns of further flooding and landslides.
Authorities urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel, heed evacuation orders and remain vigilant as emergency crews continue response and recovery efforts. With inputs from agencies
