First years of drought, now torrential rains: A sustained series of winter storms is flooding California. Masses of snow are piling up in the mountains. At least 19 people lose their lives. Emergency services have been looking for a 5-year-old boy since Monday.
California authorities have been searching since Monday for a 5-year-old boy who was swept from his mother’s arms by floodwaters during record-breaking winter storms. 5-year-old Kyle has since been missing, CNN reported. “Don’t worry, Mom,” he said to his mother as they sat in the car during the storm. But when the flood waters flooded their car, the family got out of the car. Shortly afterwards, the masses of water swept the vehicle away. She tried to hold her child, but the flood water was too powerful. Since then, up to 100 emergency services have been searching for Kyle every day. The child’s mother was saved.
California is currently experiencing a third week of severe winter storms that have already claimed more than a dozen lives. According to US media reports, at least 19 people were killed, for example by falling trees, torrential water masses or in traffic accidents.
Major roads were severely damaged and power outages occurred in many areas. The weather service warned Thursday of another series of storms that will bring heavy rain and bring snow to mountainous regions. The authorities called on the population to be careful when traveling to affected areas. Residents have also been instructed to follow evacuation orders.
At the beginning of the week, several towns in southern California were evacuated as a precaution. The town of Montecito was also affected, where Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, presenter Oprah Winfrey and other celebrities live. There were warnings of floods and mud and debris avalanches.
Residents have now been able to return to their homes, but further extreme weather could lead to similar measures, it said. There is a risk of flash flooding due to already wet soils, especially in areas previously affected by wildfires.
