First responders rescue 58 residents trapped by mud in Cathedral City
Update 8/22/23
Cathedral City Fire Department has now rescued 58 residents during the storm, according
to Cathedral City Communications & Events Manager Ryan Hunt.
Original Report 8/21/23
Officials held a news conference Monday afternoon to share new details on rescue operations at Date Palm Drive, near Vista Chino, in Cathedral City.
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Aerials from KABC Tuesday morning showed many homes around the area trapped by several inches of mud. Authorities said in some areas the mud was five feet deep.
First responders are using a front loader to rescue 46 residents trapped in the area. 14 of those residents were elderly residents from a board and care home. Six of those rescues were unable to walk, they were brought out of the mud by bulldozers.
“This happened out of nowhere and it took us obviously by surprise and we're just going you know with it as you know, as we experience it really,” said MJ Martinez, a Cathedral City resident.
“Well, water doesn't move the land in Louisiana, the water just moves maybe buildings or other things. Your water took the land with it as we can see behind us here this is a totally new thing for us with the debris flows and the mudslides. This is a totally different animal. Really, I'm seeing this happen out here that just shows how important it is for everyone to be aware, even though you may not have a certain disaster in your place or have certain needs in your life. That doesn't mean someone else doesn't have them and you shouldn't be prepared to because it could happen to you if it could happen to anybody,” said Jesse Fenwick of Cajun Navy Relief, a Louisiana-based non-profit.
It could take several days to complete clean-ups in the area. Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
