Photos: California floods wreak havoc across the coastal region

Rain-weary Californians were grappled with flooding and mudslides on January 9, as the latest in a series of powerful Pacific storms walloped the state, toppling trees and frustrating motorists who hit roadblocks caused by fallen debris. At least 17 people were killed and tens of thousands of people were evacuated and remained without power. Some schools were closed for the day. A cyclone is set to hit California with up to seven inches (18 cms.) of rain today, the National Weather Service said, according to AFP. 

Published on: Jan 11, 2023 6:40 PM IST

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An aerial view of a vehicle stuck in a sinkhole in the Chatsworth section of Los Angeles, on January 10. Sinkholes swallowed cars and raging torrents swamped towns and swept away a small boy on Tuesday as California was hit by a powerful string of Pacific storms.   (Jae C. Hong / AP )

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A flooded house is seen partially underwater in Gilroy, California, on January 9. Heavy rain lashed water-logged California this week, with forecasters warning of floods. A parade of storms have killed 17 people across the western United States. (Josh Edelson / AFP)

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Brenda Ortega, 15, walks through water in her flooded home in Merced, California on January 10. The National Weather Service has warned of a “relentless parade of atmospheric rivers” as reported by AP. (Noah Berger / AP Photo)

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An aerial view of a flooded neighborhood in Merced, California on January 10. President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration on Monday to support storm response and relief efforts in more than a dozen counties. (Josh Edelson / AFP)

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San Diego firefighters help Humberto Maciel rescue his dog from his flooded home in Merced, California, on January 10. Evacuation orders were issued in Santa Cruz County for about 32,000 residents living near rain-swollen rivers and creeks, said Melodye Serino, the deputy county administrative officer, as reported by AP. (Josh Edelson / AFP)

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People gather near storm debris washed up on the beach, with a damaged pier in the background, on January 10 in Capitola, California. Storms have toppled trees, flooded roads and cut power to tens of thousands of people. The Pacific storms are expected to bring more rain and wind through the end of the week, as reported by AFP. ( Mario Tama / Getty Images via AFP)

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A resident carries his belongings amid flooded waters in Merced, California, on January 10. California's Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency and was granted, a presidential emergency declaration. (Noah Berger / AP)

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A dead sea lion lies in the sand near storm debris washed up on the beach. Scientists say human-caused climate change, brought about by the unchecked burning of fossil fuels, has supercharged these wild swings in weather, making the wets wetter and the dries drier, as reported by AFP. (Mario Tama / Getty Images via AFP)