Firefighters arrived to find thousands of gallons of water rushing east on Ventura Boulevard between Coldwater Canyon Avenue and Whitsett Avenue. Firefighters sprang into action in an attempt to quickly divert the deluge around local businesses residences into the Los Angeles storm drain system, but do to the extraordinary volume of water, it pooled three to four feet in areas.
Over 150 Firefighters worked with profound diligence for many hours, using Dozers sand bags to protect life and property. Though damages include local homes and businesses being flooded, one apartment carport collapse and one victim requiring rescuing from a vehicle, no injuries were reported. An evacuation shelter was implemented at Miliken Middle School, 5041 Sunnyslope Avenue and the American Red Cross was notified.
The source of the water surge was a 95 year old, 62 inch steel pipe that ruptured underneath Coldwater Canyon Avenue, one-half block south of Ventura Boulevard, which served as a large artery feeding water to the Northern Metro Los Angeles Area. The Department of Water and Power fully secured the deluge before dawn, although Ventura Boulevard between Whitsett & Fulton is expected to be shut down until noon and Coldwater Canyon Avenue, south of Ventura Boulevard is not anticipated to open for two-three days.
(LADWP News Release) (photos) (video)
Submitted by Erik Scott
Los Angeles Fire Department
发表评论