‘Devastating’ waves leave California beach homes on brink of collapse
LOS ANGELES, Oct 13 — Emergency repairs and cleanup were underway yesterday in California’s wave-battered ci...
The California city of Long Beach faced a series of damaging waves following Tropical Storm Rachel on October 13, 2026. Several homes along the city's peninsula appeared on the brink of collapse, while the historic boardwalk was partially swept away. Mayor Rex Richardson described these impacts as unprecedented for the community.
An aerial view captured the scene, showing waves crashing into damaged properties amid the high surf. Residents on particularly vulnerable blocks were issued mandatory evacuation orders. Long Beach officials emphasized the urgency of addressing climate resiliency along the coastline, given the likelihood of further damage from El Nino's effects into the winter.
City plans include repairing the boardwalk and its failed bulkhead, as well as a dredging project to widen the beach by 200 feet. The National Hurricane Center noted that while the worst of Rachel had passed, hazardous coastal conditions could persist for days due to high waves and surf. Paris Henken, a competitive sailor, shared her own experience as a tenant of one of the now-unsafe buildings, expressing concern over the vulnerability of such homes.
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