Rancho Palos Verdes, California - The city of Rancho Palos Verdes has issued an evacuation warning following an announcement by Southern California Edison (SCE) that power will be shut off to 140 homes due to the recent land movement. The Portuguese Bend Community Association neighborhood is the area under the evacuation warning, as SCE deems the land movement a significant public safety risk. The power disconnection is scheduled for Sunday at 12 p.m.

Gabriela Ornelas, a spokesperson for SCE, stated that the decision to disconnect power indefinitely was difficult but necessary to prioritize the safety of the community. The land movement in Rancho Palos Verdes has reached a dangerous level, and it is crucial to mitigate any potential risks caused by the ongoing unstable conditions.

The urgency of the situation became apparent after an electrical line fell due to the land movement, igniting a spot fire near Narcissa Drive on Thursday. Ornelas highlighted that this incident illustrated SCE's inability to effectively manage public safety risks stemming from the land movement. As a result, SCE has no choice but to shut off power in order to safeguard the community.

To address the immediate needs of affected residents, a customer care vehicle will be stationed near Fruit Tree Road and Narcissa Drive throughout the weekend. The vehicle will provide residents with access to water and charging stations.

The power shutoffs will impact several zones within Rancho Palos Verdes, including RPV-E0160, RPV-E0115-A, RPV-E0155-B, and RPV-E0150. In July, 135 homes had their gas service temporarily cut off due to the land movement, further highlighting the severity of the ongoing issue.

Geologist Mike Phipps, who has been monitoring the situation, recently revealed that the land movement in Rancho Palos Verdes is more extensive than previously reported. Through multiple borings at the Portuguese Bend area, it has been confirmed that the landslide is almost twice as deep as initially estimated. This revelation further emphasizes the urgent need for precautions and ongoing monitoring.

Residents of Rancho Palos Verdes are urged to heed the evacuation warning and cooperate with local authorities. The city is working to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents by implementing necessary measures during this challenging time.

As the situation continues to unfold, residents and authorities alike remain vigilant in their efforts to manage the escalating threat posed by the growing land movement in Rancho Palos Verdes.