California Winter Storm and Mudslides 2018

Imagen

Heavy rains and flooding in recently burned areas of Southern California have triggered severe mudslides on slopes that have been denuded of vegetation, causing waist deep mudflows. Wildfires in December, including the Thomas Fire, swept through the area burning vegetation that helps prevent flooding and landslides.

Thousands have been evacuated from their homes, there have been 13 confirmed fatalities, and at least 163 injuries.  Boulders the size of cars have rolled down hillsides and blocked roads, and many homes have been washed off their foundations.  A group of up to 300 people are reportedly trapped by a landslide in Romero Canyon, just east of Santa Barbara.  

Links to Resources:

• Global Flood Monitoring System (GFMS):  http://flood.umd.edu/ 

• Global Landslide Model:  https://pmm.nasa.gov/applications/global-landslide-model