Death toll from winter storms rises to 19 in California

At least two more unhoused people were killed due to devastating winter storms in California, bringing the total death toll to 19 in the state.

“These conditions are serious and they’re deadly. The number of deaths tragically is likely to grow,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said during a news conference.

The United States President Joe Biden declared that an emergency exists in the State of California and ordered Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local response efforts due to the emergency conditions resulting from successive and severe winter storms, flooding, and mudslides.

On the other hand, the weather is expected to dump up to 7in (18cm) of rain in some parts by Wednesday, causing additional flooding, mudslides, and landslides in areas previously hardest hit by heavy rainfall.

“California, more intense weather is on the way. We're working around the clock with federal, state, and local emergency offices to move resources while protecting lives and property. These storms are deadly -- be cautious,” the Office of the Governor of California warned on Twitter. (ILKHA)