Mudslide cleanup continues after mountain storms
LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Cleanup continued Monday from this weekend's massive mudslides and flash-flooding in the San Bernardino mountain communities.
Thousands of people were left stranded after streets became blocked by mud and debris.
In Forest Falls, about 1,000 people were stranded after mudslides blocked Valley of the Falls Drive, which is the main road leading into and out of the area. About 60 homes were damaged on the exterior and six homes suffered damage inside.
In the Oak Glen area, approximately 1,500 residents were unable to get out.
Search and rescue teams spent the night trying to reach stranded residents. Fire officials said Monday that everyone was accounted for in Forest Falls, and no injuries were reported.
"Today is going to be a big assessment day. Yesterday, it was all about seeing if anybody was hurt or injured or unaccounted for. Today is going to be going into the neighborhoods to see what extent of damage was done to any homes," said Ryan Beckers with the San Bernardino County Fire Department.
Crews were forced to stop clearing some roads overnight due to downed power lines. Work resumed after the power lines were removed. Crews cleared Valley of the Falls Drive late Monday morning and those who were stranded were finally able to leave town, according to fire officials.
Forest Falls resident Jake Gustafson and his wife, Jordan, just got married over the weekend and had to cut their honeymoon in Las Vegas short. The newlyweds returned to find their home covered by several feet of mud. Their two dogs -- Bob Marley and Johnny Cash -- were killed in the storm.
"Both of my dogs are gone. They were in a kennel and it got swept away and it's buried right now," said Gustafson.
Gustafson, his wife and daughter don't know if their property will ever be the same. They're turning to friends and their community for help. An online fundraising account has been set up for the family. Contributions will go toward renting heavy equipment to clean up their property.
Meantime, three camp centers operated by Forest Home Christian Camps and Conference Centers remain closed due to a water-main break and other storm-related damage.
Forest Home's Adventure Mountain, The Village and Forest Center will be closed until repairs are completed. Guests who were scheduled to attend those camp centers will be contacted by Forest Home in the next few days, according to camp officials.
Man killed by mudslides in Mount Baldy
The small mountain community of Mount Baldy was also hit hard by Sunday's powerful storm. A hiker was killed there after being trapped inside a vehicle that was swept off Bear Drive. The coroner identified the victim as 48-year-old Joohwan Lee of El Segundo.
Sheriff's officials said at least five others had to be rescued.
A woman in the Bear Creek area of Mount Baldy reported a hillside coming down next to her home. Crews rescued her and took her to a hospital with unknown injuries.
The Mt. Baldy Fire Department said between 10 and 15 homes were damaged by the storm, and at least six of those homes will need to be red-tagged.
The American Red Cross opened a shelter for displaced Mt. Baldy residents at Magnolia Recreation Center, 651 West 15th Street in Upland.
State highway closures caused by monsoons
All but one lane on the eastbound 10 Freeway is closed at Eagle Mountain. An emergency contract is in place to repair the washed out No. 2 lane.
State Route 62 is closed from Mary Ann Lane to Vidal Junction.
Route 95 is closed from Blythe to Vidal Junction for flooding and storm clean-up.
State Route 177 is closed entirely from post mile 0 to 27.
PHOTOS: Flash-flooding, mudslides in San Bernardino Mountains
