Massive Storms Leave Thousands Of Californians Under Water — Here's How To Help

Massive Storms Leave Thousands Of Californians Under Water — Here's How To Help

Wikimedia Commons / btwashburn

California has been hit hard by a series of deadly storms this year, bringing rainfall totals that are 400% to 600% above average, CNN reports. Powered by a massive "atmospheric river," these storms have caused widespread damage and devastation, leaving many communities struggling to recover.

The heavy rainfall has led to landslides, flash floods, and debris flows, destroying homes and businesses, and cutting off entire neighborhoods from essential services like electricity and water. The storms have also caused widespread power outages, leaving thousands of people without electricity for days or even weeks. As the New York Times reports, the storms have killed at least 17 since December 2022.

Homes and businesses in this California community were completely submerged after a severe flood swept through the area, leaving residents with nothing but devastation in its wake. Wikimedia Commons / Weather Prediction Center, License: Public Domain
Homes and businesses in this California community were completely submerged after a severe flood swept through the area, leaving residents with nothing but devastation in its wake.

According to NOAA, atmospheric rivers are a weather phenomenon that occurs when a narrow band of high-moisture air, known as a plume, travels across the ocean and into the atmosphere. These plumes can bring large amounts of rain and snow to the areas they affect, and are often responsible for some of the most severe weather events in California, including devastating floods.

Unfortunately, these types of event are expected to increase in frequency and intensity as the climate change continues, due to higher ocean temperatures which lead to more water vapor in the atmosphere, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography reports. This can increase the risk of atmospheric river events and the associated flooding in California.

The damage caused by the floods is evident in this photograph, as residents survey the destruction of their homes and personal belongings. Photo: Flood at 42nd St under cross (52601112746), Wikimedia Commons / btwashburn, License: CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED
The floods have damaged homes and personal belongings, as well as miles of critical infrastructure.

As Phys.org reports, many areas of California are particularly vulnerable to the effects of heavy rainfall, due to the state's unique geography and the widespread development that has taken place in recent years. In particular, the foothills and mountains that border many of the state's cities are prone to landslides, and the development of these areas has only made the problem worse.

The heavy rainfall has led to widespread flooding in low-lying areas, particularly in the Central Valley, which is one of the state's most important agricultural regions. The floods have destroyed crops and farmland, and have made it difficult for farmers to get their products to market. This has had a ripple effect throughout the economy, as farmers are unable to sell their crops, and retailers and wholesalers are unable to get the products they need to supply their stores and restaurants, Farm Journal reports.

Despite the overwhelming challenges they face, affected residents remain resilient and determined to rebuild and recover from the disaster.Wikimedia Commons / Missvain, License: CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED
Despite the overwhelming challenges they face, affected residents remain resilient and determined to rebuild and recover from the disaster.

The storms have also had a devastating impact on the state's infrastructure, causing major damage to roads, bridges, and other critical resources. The damage to roads has made it difficult for emergency crews to reach affected areas, and has made it hard for people to get to work and school, Yahoo! News reports. The damage to bridges has also made it difficult for people to cross rivers and creeks, which has made it hard for them to get to essential services like grocery stores, hospitals, and gas stations.

Despite the challenges that California has faced in recent weeks, the state is still working to recover. Emergency crews and volunteer organizations are working around the clock to clear debris, restore power, and help people get back on their feet, KESQ reports. The state's governor has also declared a state of emergency, which allows the state to access additional resources to help with the recovery efforts.

More rain is forecasted to come, which is a concern for people living in the affected areas, especially for those who have lost everything. It is crucial for authorities to be prepared for the next wave of storms and for citizens to evacuate if necessary.

“We have to let our rivers flow differently, and let the rivers flood a little more and recharge our groundwater in wet seasons,” Peter Gleick, a climate scientist and co-founder of the Pacific Institute in Oakland, told CNN. “Instead of thinking we can control all floods, we have to learn to live with them.”

Local organizations and national aid groups have joined forces to provide emergency assistance to those impacted by the floods, as the community struggles to return to a sense of normalcy. Wikimedia Commons / Missvain, License: CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED
Local organizations and national aid groups have joined forces to provide emergency assistance to those impacted by the floods, as the community struggles to return to a sense of normalcy.

Overall, the victims of the storms in California have faced a devastating and life-changing experience. Though recovery efforts are underway, the road to rebuilding will be long and difficult for many, and the state must continue to work to address the underlying issues that have made the state so vulnerable to these storms.

To mitigate the damage caused by atmospheric river events and the associated flooding, California is taking steps to improve its resilience to these types of storms. According to the California Department of Water Resources, this includes investing in new infrastructure, such as levees and dams, and implementing new planning and zoning regulations to minimize the risk of damage to homes and businesses in flood-prone areas. The state is also working to improve its early warning and evacuation systems, to help keep people safe when a storm hits.

https://youtu.be/ulFnsamO4ak

You can also help make a difference in the lives of those affected by these deadly storms. Greater Good Charities is actively mobilizing in response to this need. They've already sent in Good Packs full of essential supplies to impacted areas and are in contact with groups on the ground to assess the need and provide support for people and pets affected by this storm.

Click below and send urgent aid to people and pets impacted by the extreme storms sweeping across California!
Matthew Russell

Matthew Russell is a West Michigan native and with a background in journalism, data analysis, cartography and design thinking. He likes to learn new things and solve old problems whenever possible, and enjoys bicycling, spending time with his daughters, and coffee.

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