Water main burst causes flooding in DHS neighborhood

Some residents in Desert Hot Springs got an early morning wake-up call. Just after 1 a.m. on Sunday, CAL Fire got a call of a break in a water main at Crescent Drive and 5th Street.

After getting to the scene, authorities found a pipe had burst causing flooding in several homes in nearby streets. CAL Fire says at least 15 homes have been affected by flood damage.

The water department got to the scene to shut the water main off. A worker with Mission Springs Water District said the roots of a nearby tree caused it to burst.

“The neighbor said grab your animals get out we're flooding," said flood victim Robert Smith. "Just water throughout the whole- our whole house is damaged and everything that was brand new was ruined."

Smith said he woke up to about 6 inches of water.

“Like I said you're in shock. I still am it's just, you don't know what to do," said Smith. “It's been a tough year I think for everybody.”

Smith and one of his neighbors Jose Torres have had the standing water removed from their homes.

“Just uncertainty. You know, we tried to find the source and, you know, call the police and call everybody else and you know, they were working on it," said Torres.

Workers with the City of Desert Hot Springs said some residents had to be taken to a hotel.

“I hope and pray for everybody that was involved that everything turns out okay. You know, it can only get better from here. It definitely can't get any worse," said Smith.