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Residents of Lytle Creek, a mountain community in San Bernardino County, remain stranded after a severe storm caused significant damage over the Christmas holiday. Despite the lifting of an evacuation warning, many residents are still unable to leave due to a damaged bridge that serves as the only entrance and exit to the area. The storm, which dumped over 10 inches of rain, washed out the roads surrounding the bridge, leaving the community isolated.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Travis Guenther, a resident of the Happy Jack neighborhood, described the situation as tragic. "This is a horrible scene down here," he said. Approximately 280 residents were unable to evacuate due to the washed-out roads. San Bernardino County public works crews have constructed a temporary bridge using compacted dirt, but it is not yet open to residents pending safety assessments.
The San Bernardino Sun reported that emergency vehicles have tested the temporary bridge, but residents are advised to wait for further assessments before using it. Many residents have resorted to crossing the creek on foot, but vehicle access remains restricted.
The storm has left dozens of homes severely damaged, with about 30 homes in Happy Jack "red tagged" as unsafe to inhabit due to debris flows. Power has been shut off in these homes, and residents are relying on community centers for essential supplies. As The Desert Sun reports, residents are bracing for another round of heavy rain forecasted to hit the area through New Year’s Day, raising concerns of further flooding and mudslides.
Community members are rallying to support each other, sharing resources and assisting in cleanup efforts. However, there is a growing need for external aid, with calls for the Red Cross to provide assistance. Residents are encouraged to monitor updates from county emergency services and contribute to relief efforts by donating essential supplies to designated drop-off locations.