Tropical Storm Hilary left a trail of devastation in its wake as a massive mudslide buried mountain communities in San Bernardino. The event left residents stranded as cars were submerged and everything else in its path was swept away.
First responders confirmed that while they have no reports of missing individuals, they are still working to access many areas to ensure all residents are accounted for.
Communities such as Forest Falls, Oak Glen, and Seven Oaks on the east side of the San Bernardino mountains were heavily impacted by the storm, the first tropical storm to hit California in 83 years. Some regions received over six inches of rain during the storm.
Cleanup efforts are now underway, with miles of roads still inaccessible to many residents. The sheer scale of the destruction has left many questioning their ability to recover from the disaster.
The mudslide was of such force that it carried away at least two mobile homes. One resident managed to climb onto the roof of their home and was carried away with it until it came to a halt, where they found safety on higher ground.
Despite the scale of the disaster, no injuries or deaths have been reported yet. However, recovery for these affected communities is expected to be a long-term endeavor.
This disaster underscores the power and unpredictability of natural phenomena like tropical storms, and the vital importance of preparedness and responsive emergency services in mitigating their impacts.