Southern California Braces for Landslides After Devastating Wildfires

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Southern California is bracing for potential landslides as rain moves into the region this weekend, threatening areas already devastated by the Palisades and Eaton wildfires. The fires, which have killed more than two dozen people and destroyed thousands of structures, have left burn scars that are now at high risk for mudslides and flash flooding.

The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch from Sunday afternoon through Monday afternoon for areas near the burn scars of the Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes fires. The ABC7 Eyewitness News data team has created a map highlighting the most vulnerable areas, including Topanga Canyon and Altadena, where more than 9,000 structures were lost in the Eaton Fire.

“Without plant roots to hold the soil in place, the risk of landslides increases significantly,” said a spokesperson for the Los Angeles Fire Department. “We are closely monitoring the situation and urging residents in affected areas to remain vigilant.”

The Palisades Fire, which began on Jan. 7, has burned 23,448 acres and is 77% contained as of Friday. The Eaton Fire, which started the same day, has consumed 14,021 acres and is 95% contained. Both fires rank among California’s most destructive wildfires in history, with the Palisades Fire destroying 5,316 structures and the Eaton Fire claiming more than 4,000.

Firefighters have made significant progress in containing the blazes, but the incoming rain poses a new threat. “The rain is a double-edged sword,” said Kristin Crowley, Los Angeles Fire Department Chief. “While it helps extinguish the fires, it also increases the risk of landslides and flooding in areas where vegetation has been destroyed.”

Residents in Topanga Canyon, where homes largely survived the fire, now face the danger of falling topsoil. “We thought we were safe after the fire passed, but now we’re worried about the hillsides giving way,” said one resident. “It feels like we can’t catch a break.”

President Donald Trump, who visited Los Angeles on Friday, announced that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) would cover 100% of the cost of California’s disaster response for 180 days. “We are committed to helping California recover from this tragedy,” Trump said during his visit.

Meanwhile, local officials are urging residents to prepare for potential evacuations. “We are working around the clock to ensure the safety of our communities,” said Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass. “Please stay informed and be ready to act if necessary.”

The wildfires have already caused an estimated $50 billion in damages, including $20 billion in insured losses, according to JPMorgan analysts. The economic impact is expected to grow as the region faces the dual challenges of fire recovery and flood prevention.

As Southern California braces for the next phase of this disaster, the resilience of its communities is being tested once again. “We will rebuild,” said one Altadena resident. “But right now, we just need to get through this.”