California locals have joint their forces to clean up the aftermath after tropical storm Hilary left desert roads covered in water and mud.
Recovery efforts by San Bernardino County Office (SBCO) Public Works crews and private contractors are reportedly in full swing after the first tropical storm hit Southern California, USA, in 84 years on Monday, 21st August.
Hilary reportedly first slammed into Mexico’s arid Baja California Peninsula as a hurricane before it flooded roads, toppled trees and forced a rescue by a bulldozer of more than a dozen older residents trapped by mud in a car home.
Video footage of the storm shows its onslaught triggering swift and forceful mud and debris flows and overloading homes and garages with dirt.
Reports revealed that the region was hit by an onslaught of heavy rains, resulting in over eight inches of precipitation in several mountain communities.
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Meanwhile, officials advised locals to take shelter as the storm unfolded.
The Oak Glen and Forest Falls communities, located in the San Bernardino mountains were particularly impacted by powerful mudflows, claimed media.
Authorities announced that evacuations are ongoing, as many residents are engaged in cleanup efforts to reclaim their properties.
The mutual cleanup actions by both authorities and residents highlight the resilience and unity of the community in the face of natural adversities, officials stated.