La Quinta reflects on severe storm damage one year later

Tuesday marked one year since the so-called “700-year storm” hit parts of the Coachella Valley and caused heavy damage in a number of valley cities. La Quinta was hardest hit.

“There was water high throughout the community. We had residents coming in City Hall looking for shelter and at the same time disaster crews were responding to people who were trapped in intersections,” said Chris Escobedo, assistant City Manager.

Rain stormed the city and caused an estimated $1.2 million in public damage. The destruction to homes and businesses was about $10.7 million, according to Escobedo.

The damage incurred to homeowners is now part of a multi-million dollar lawsuit filed against the city, the La Quinta Resort, and the Coachella Valley Water District.

The storm forced the city and its residents to be more proactive and alert than ever before.

“When we receive a storm watch notice, as we did today, our public works department goes out and cleans storm drainage, we clean those on a regular basis, but when we receive those notices those folks are out there making sure it’s clear,” said Escobedo.

The city said its drainage system is only designed to handle a 100-year rain event, not the 700-year storm that poured down last year. The City Council commissioned a focus drainage study. It expects to receive preliminary findings in late September.

“It’d be about a $20 million tab to make those drainage improvements. The study allows us to be focused of where that money can be applied to,” Escobedo said.

Until major changes are made to the drainage infrastructure, the city, homeowners and business owners can only prepare and expect the unexpected.

Sand and sand bags will be available at City Hall and local fire stations when there is storm activity.