Heavy Rains in Los Angeles Cause Evacuations, State of Emergency Declared

On Christmas Eve, heavy rains fell across the Los Angeles area, leading to evacuations and prompting some residents to seek emergency assistance due to rising water levels, NBC News reports.

Christmas morning in the region was humid and windy, and following the floods, rain intensification was anticipated, which led California Governor Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency.

The highways in Los Angeles were flooded with water, mud, and debris. In San Bernardino County, fire services announced that over 120 personnel would assist residents in need of evacuation.

In the city of Wrightwood, California, homes were damaged due to mudslides on Wednesday. Rescuers searched homes, urging residents in danger zones to evacuate and assist those trapped in vehicles or submerged in water.

According to the county's emergency services office, a new shelter has been opened for evacuees at the Victorville Exhibition Center on Wednesday evening.

Newsom declared a state of emergency in Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Shasta counties, activating emergency services due to expected flooding, heavy rainfall, and strong winds.