Southern California was hit on two fronts on Sunday when it experienced a 5.1 magnitude earthquake while facing bombardment from Hurricane Hilary.
While there have been no reported casualties so far, officials in the state are warning that conditions are considered life-threatening.
Hurricane Hilary
"HEADS UP!!!!! DANGEROUS FLOODING IN THE AREA BETWEEN POINT DUME... POINT MUGU... CAMARILLO... WESTLAKE VILLAGE... SOMIS AND SPANISH HILLS" the National Weather Service of Los Angeles posted Sunday night. "THIS IS LIFE THREATENING FLOODING!!!!!!"
As of Monday morning, over 7 million people were under a flash flood warning. Heavy rain is considered unusual in Southern California during the summer, with the storm putting a strain on the state's land and infrastructure.
"We are not used to this level of precipitation, generally," San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria told CNN. "We're not built for this kind of rainfall."
Los Angeles and Ventura counties were impacted by the earthquake Sunday, which had a magnitude of 5.1 as well as at least six aftershocks with magnitudes of 3.0 or more. While there were no reports of immediate damage, an earthquake of that magnitude in that area had not been recorded since 1941, according to seismologist Dr. Lucy Jones.
"This location is interesting to have it there," she wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "This is first time we've had a 5 since 1932 in exactly this location, and even within the Ventura basin."
President Biden announced via X that his administration was sending aid to the region effective immediately.
"As soon as Tropical Storm Hilary’s path became clear, my Administration took immediate action to prepare: deploying personnel and supplies, and planning rapid response and search-and-rescue efforts," he said. "My Administration stands ready to provide additional assistance and will continue coordinating with California, Nevada, and Arizona. We will also continue monitoring the Southern California earthquake and any resulting impacts."
