California Landslide Crisis: Homes on the Brink

Nick Mardesic and his family are living off-grid due to landslides threatening their Los Angeles home. Despite spending $50,000 on repairs, their house risks collapse. Rapid landslide movement, fueled by two years of heavy rain, has forced evacuations and utility shutdowns in Rancho Palos Verdes. Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency.

Nick Mardesic and his family are living off the power grid because landslides are threatening their Los Angeles home. Despite their efforts, their house risks collapse, resembling a scene from a disaster movie.

The landslide movement, triggered by two years of heavy rain, has forced evacuations and utility shutdowns in Rancho Palos Verdes. Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency to unlock state resources.

Residents blame leaked water pipes for accelerating the landslides. The city recently received a $23.3 million FEMA grant for mitigation, but with funding challenges and the imminent rainy season, long-term solutions seem daunting.

(With inputs from agencies.)