LOS ANGELES, Oct 13 — Emergency repairs and cleanup were underway yesterday in California’s wave-battered city of Long Beach, where several homes appeared on the brink of collapse and remained too dangerous to enter.
Tropical Storm Rachel brought less rain than forecasters had predicted but the heavy surf — driven by a confluence of factors including the abnormal storm system, high tide, the impact of El Nino and human-caused climate change — was enough to severely damage some coastal properties.
Dramatic photos and video footage showed homes along the city’s peninsula teetering precariously, while its historic boardwalk was partially swept away.
“These kind of impacts are not normal. They’re unprecedented for our community,” said Long Beach Mayor Rex Richardson during a weekend press conference.
