Ground Collapses and Buildings Crumble... What Happened in the US Wealthy Neighborhood Under 'State of Emergency' Declaration?

California Governor Gavin Newsom Declares State of Emergency
Ground Shifts 30cm Weekly... Buildings Collapse
Residents' Anxiety Grows... Hundreds of Households Already Evacuated

On the 3rd (local time), a sudden ground movement occurred in a city located on the coastal cliffs of southern California, USA, prompting a state of emergency to be declared. On the same day, the American broadcaster CNN reported, "Recently, in the affluent California area of Rancho Palos Verdes, consecutive ground movements have raised concerns about potential fires, leading Governor Gavin Newsom of California to declare a state of emergency."

The ground has collapsed in the Rancho Palos Verdes area of California. [Image source=Getty Images Yonhap News]

This city, located about 40 km south of Los Angeles (LA), has experienced steady ground movement over time. However, this movement was very slow, about 1 inch (approximately 2.5 cm) per year, and was simply considered one of the characteristics of the area. Recently, the speed has accelerated sharply, increasing residents' concerns. In particular, ground movement has caused roads and buildings to sink or crack, raising fears of landslides and fires. On social networking services (SNS), residents' anxiety is rising, and it is reported that hundreds of households have already left their homes. In July of last year, about ten mansions in the nearby Rolling Hills Estates area collapsed, causing residents to evacuate.

In response, Janice Hahn, an official from LA County, pointed out on the 1st, "There is no manual for emergencies like this situation." She said, "What we know is that many families are feeling great anxiety and experiencing difficulties," adding, "They are witnessing their homes and streets collapsing." She urged Governor Newsom to visit the area, emphasizing, "This ground movement is so massive and damaging that a single city or a single homeowner agency should not bear this burden alone."

Local authorities are also seeking alternatives to resolve these issues. However, it is unknown when electricity supply will be restored, and evacuation orders have been issued for 140 households. Governor Newsom stated, "After the severe storms in 2023 and 2024, the ground movement in this city has greatly accelerated," adding, "It is now sliding an average of 9 to 12 inches (approximately 23 to 30 cm) per week."