Natural gas service was cut off to 135 homes Monday in a neighborhood on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Southern California due to deteriorating conditions in the area where a long-running landslide has damaged homes, roads and utilities, authorities said.
Southern California Gas Co. announced over the weekend that it was cutting off natural gas service to homes in the Portugues Bend area of Rancho Palos Verdes, citing “significant stress” on its infrastructure.
“We regret this unexpected service interruption,” the company said in a statement, adding that “this dynamic situation requires us to take immediate action to protect public safety.”
The company said the Earth is moving at a rate of 9 inches (22.8 centimeters) per week.
The gas company said it would give $2,500 to each account holder to help with immediate needs, such as laundry and meals. No date has been set for when service will be restored.
The Portugese Bend area is one of several neighborhoods in the Old Landslide Zone. The large increases in ground movement began in the spring of 2023, after heavy winter rains. It is believed that water seeping into the ground is lubricating the ground.
Earlier this year, ground movement caused the historic landmark to dismantle. Church of the Travelers To prevent its destruction, it is hoped that it will be rebuilt elsewhere.