Stephen Edwards, a 63-year-old music composer, thought his luck had turned when he discovered that his home in Pacific Palisades had survived the catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires. The blaze, which has ravaged over 23,000 acres and destroyed an estimated 5,000 structures, had already claimed one of Edwards’ homes.
But his relief was short-lived. Last week, a landslide caused by the wildfire’s aftermath split his surviving house in two when a neighboring property crashed into it.
“It was a cool place to make music, to be super chill and relaxing,” Edwards told NBC News. “You could look at the water and listen to the waves. It was amazing.” Now, Edwards faces a new challenge: figuring out whether his insurance or his neighbor will cover the damage to his ruined home.
As Los Angeles begins its recovery, authorities warn that landslides could become the next significant hazard. Wildfires destroy vegetation, leaving soil unstable and prone to movement during heavy rains.
“The next monster is debris flow and landslides,” said Farshid Vahedifard, a professor of civil and environmental engineering at Tufts University, in an interview with NBC News. Vegetation and plant roots typically stabilize the soil, but once burned, the loose soil becomes vulnerable to landslides.
A ticking time bomb for California
The potential for landslides is heightened as California heads into its rainy season, which typically occurs between October and April. Officials are increasingly concerned that heavy rains could trigger debris flows, causing further destruction to infrastructure and homes.
Experts warn that this cycle of wildfire destruction followed by landslides may become more common, underscoring the need for improved urban planning and disaster preparedness.
For Edwards and others like him, the long-term toll of wildfires continues to shape their lives, leaving scars that extend far beyond the immediate damage.
