Massive Landslide Destroys Homes In LA County

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES, CA — A massive landslide forced the evacuation of 12 homes in Rolling Hills Estates, and County Supervisor Janice Hahn said Sunday the homes have been "completely destroyed."

Residents on Peartree Lane noticed the land shift at about 4 p.m. Saturday, and they were evacuated shortly afterward.

Hahn confirmed the evacuations on Twitter, writing "I'm in Rolling Hills Estates where a major landslide has threatened multiple homes."

Hahn said the Los Angeles County Fire Department ordered the evacuations.

Deputies from the sheriff's Lomita station were sent to patrol the neighborhood "to ensure the evacuated homes are secure," Hahn said.

The supervisor's tweets included several photos showing the instability of the homes.

"It is hard to see in this photo, but there are homes here in Rolling Hills Estates that are physically leaning — like this garage — following the landslide," she tweeted. "Had the chance to speak to residents who are being evacuated. Everyone is safe but right now these homes are too unstable to enter. I've already spoken with our Public Works Director Mark Pastrella and (we) are offering the city and our residents our full support."

On Sunday afternoon, Hahn shared a discouraging update.

"Significant land movement overnight has completely destroyed the homes along a canyon on Peartree Lane here in Rolling Hills Estates," she tweeted, along with photos showing some of the damage. "This is just devastating for these residents. My office is ready to offer any assistance we can provide to these families and the city."

She followed that up with the following tweet: "Homes have been pulled off their foundations. The land is continuing to move, but the evacuation order continues to be limited to these 12 homes. Building and Safety officials are on site and are continuing to monitor the situation."

Electricity in the area was turned off Saturday and utility crews made sure no gas or power lines were disrupted, authorities said.

The American Red Cross was helping to find shelter for the evacuated families.

It is unclear what caused the landslide.

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