No respite

Flash floods now threaten after fire disaster

16,000 buildings have been destroyed by the fires, 28 people are dead(Bild: APA/AFP/Zoë Meyers)

The nightmare never ends: After the devastating fires, California is preparing for the next disaster - now there could be flash floods.

The worst forest fires in California, including the "Eaton" and "Palisades" fires, have caused catastrophic damage since the beginning of January. In total, more than 16,000 buildings have been destroyed and the emergency services have so far discovered 28 victims in the rubble. But instead of breathing a sigh of relief, the region's inhabitants are preparing for the next natural disaster: torrential rain.

A flood warning was issued for the affected areas at the weekend.

Burnt soils increase the risk of flooding
The National Weather Service (NWS) emphasizes that the "burn scars" created by the fires - scorched landscapes where the soil can no longer absorb water - significantly increase the risk of flash flooding. "Although catastrophic mudslides are not the most likely scenario, the risk is high enough to prepare for the worst-case scenario," said the meteorologists.

The emergency services are working flat out to secure endangered areas. However, many fire zones are still cordoned off.