Flooding forces hundreds to flee homeless shelter in San Diego
The Guardian••nation
Key Points:
- Heavy storms in San Diego forced the evacuation of the Bridge homeless shelter for the third time in seven years, with about 325 residents moved to a local gym due to flooding from record rainfall on New Year’s Day.
- Southern California's recent storms, following devastating wildfires last year, have prompted state emergency declarations and increased risks such as debris flow and flash flooding near burn scars.
- Experts highlight that extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change, disproportionately impact homeless populations by reducing housing availability and increasing displacement.
- In 2024, natural disasters displaced 11 million people in the U.S., with significant rises in homelessness reported in areas affected by wildfires, such as an 83% increase in Maui, Hawaii.
