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Rainfall in Los Angeles Causes Concern for Toxic Runoff:
A recent bout of rainfall in the parched landscapes of Southern California, eagerly welcomed by firefighters tackling the widespread wildfires, has thrown up a potential environmental challenge. The specter of toxic runoff from debris caused by the fire, including potentially poisonous ash, has begun to hover with the heavens releasing their bounty.
High Alert for Mudslides and Runoff:
The Los Angeles area, recently ravaged by the Palisades and Eaton fires, has seen extensive efforts to bolster slopes, remove vegetation, and reinforce roads ahead of the expected rainfall. Despite forecasts predicting less than an inch of precipitation, the National Weather Service has put locals on high alert for potential mudslides.
Expedited Cleanup Efforts in the Wake of Fire:
Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass, issued an executive order earlier in the week aiming to speed up cleanup efforts and curb the environmental impact of fire-related pollutants. Local county workers have actively participated in installing barriers, sandbagging, and clearing drainage pipes and basins for critical areas.
Toxic Mixture in Debris:
Recent burn areas reportedly contain a toxic mix of incinerated cars, batteries, building materials, electronics, paints, asbestos, plastics, and lead that could potentially wash into communities with the rainfall, causing a toxic runoff. Residents have been urged to wear protective gear while cleaning up.
Still Smoldering Fires and Expected Rainfall:
As the weekend approached, several wildfires were still burning across Southern California, including the devastating Palisades and Eaton fires, which, combined, have claimed 28 lives and destroyed over 14,000 structures. However, the rainy forecast is anticipated to end weeks of dangerous gusts and lowered humidity, bringing some relief to the firefighting efforts and to the parched region.
As of now, rainfall is expected to persist until Monday. Meanwhile, most of southern California is categorized as being in "extreme drought" or "severe drought," according to the US Drought Monitor.
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