‘Devastating’ waves leave California beach homes on brink of collapse

Several homes in Long Beach, California appeared on the brink of collapse on Monday as emergency repairs and cleanup efforts were underway following the destructive waves brought by Tropical Storm Rachel. Despite predictions of less rain, the storm caused heavy surf, which was exacerbated by an abnormal storm system, high tide, the impact of El Nino, and human-caused climate change, leading to severe damage to coastal properties.

Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson described these impacts as unprecedented for the community, emphasizing the power of nature during a weekend press conference. Some residents living on particularly threatened blocks were issued mandatory evacuation orders until Tuesday. City officials, including Tom Modica, outlined plans for immediate and long-term resiliency strategies, including repairing the damaged boardwalk and its failed bulkhead.

Additionally, a dredging project to widen the beach by 200 feet is now accelerated to commence on October 19. The National Hurricane Center stated that while the worst of Rachel had passed, hazardous coastal conditions could persist for days, with the highest waves aligning with high tides, posing life-threatening surf and rip currents.

The storm's severity underscores the increasing challenges posed by El Nino and climate change, with effects expected to worsen during the winter. Competitor Paris Henken, who owned a home on the vulnerable coastline, expressed her devastation, noting the irony of an oceanfront property being at the mercy of the very elements it was meant to embrace.