THERMAL – (INT) – More damage is coming to light in the wake of last Friday’s torrential monsoon rainstorm that struck the Coachella Valley.

Riverside County officials proclaimed a health emergency Tuesday September 5th.

A retaining wall at the Lawson Dump has been breached flooding three nearby mobile home parks in Thermal. Residents are being advised to avoid contact with standing water and storm runoff until further notice. Ordered closed but never cleaned up, the disposal site is considered to be the largest toxic dump in California.

Specialists are testing the water and soil for health impacts. Shelters are in place.

Tuesday’s emergency proclamation could help make the county eligible for potential federal and state assistance, including repairs to damaged areas.

Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez declared “This is a public health emergency in addition to the flash flooding damage that was worse for the eastern Coachella Valley than Hurricane Hilary.”

Story Date: September 18, 2023