‘We need help’: North Shore residents react to storm damage
North Shore, Calif. (KESQ) — Tropical Storm Rachel left roads covered in mud and debris across parts of the Coachella Valley, creating hazardous driving conditions in the East Valley. Especially the unincorporated community of North Shore, which sustained severe impacts.
The storm left streets throughout North Shore covered in mud that has since compacted, making road clearing efforts increasingly difficult.
Mudslides, fallen fences and collapsed roads have left residents concerned about safety and evacuation routes as the wet season continues.
Since the storm passed, local homeowners and Riverside County crews have worked to clear mud and debris from local streets. However, community members report that significant recovery work remains unfinished, highlighting broader infrastructure deficiencies in the region.
Anita Garcia, a North Shore resident, detailed the extensive destruction left behind across her neighborhood after floodwaters moved through the area.
“Well, there’s a lot of damage and sand everywhere. Holes, fences knocked down, houses are, like, messed up from water went inside the houses,” Garcia said.
Residents concerns go beyond cleanup, though. Garcia tells News Channel 3 there are immediate safety concerns specifically regarding kids in the neighborhood.
“Kids, you know, get out the bus. There’s no lights. All, you know, dark. They can run over them or something. We need a lot of help here in North Shore,” Garcia said.
Riverside County representatives acknowledged the structural challenges facing the community during severe weather events.
Manuel Perez, the supervisor for district 4 in Riverside County stated that inadequate public works remain a recurring issue.
“It’s a sad situation once again here in North Shore when we have these storms. It’s just the lack of infrastructure that’s very much needed,” Perez said.
In response to the threat of additional rain during the wet season, county workers are attempting to clear key drainage systems. Shane Reichardt, an official with the countys emergency response department, detailed the ongoing maintenance work.
“We’re working very hard on our side to prepare for it. … We’re doing a number of different things to try and make sure that culverts are cleared, the roadways are cleared, drains are cleared,” Shane said.
For resources in Riverside County, head to their website.
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