State of emergency on the San Diego-Tijuana border after torrential rains
The Border Center for Journalists and Bloggers (BCJB) shares a summary of the main news on the border for January 24, 2024.
‘We lost everything’: Residents across southeastern San Diego wonder what comes next after devastating floods
By San Diego Union Tribune’s Alex Riggins, Emily Alvarenga & Tammy Murga.- Devastating floods struck San Diego, overwhelming the city's outdated drainage systems. Residents of an apartment complex in Mountain View experienced rapid inundation, leading to significant damage and loss, including the death of pets. The flood, intensified by blockages in Chollas Creek, highlighted the inadequacy of local infrastructure and emergency responses. Affected residents, many without flood insurance, faced the daunting task of cleanup and recovery, underscoring the challenges posed by climate change and urban planning failures.
San Diego under 'State of Emergency' after torrential flooding
Deluge in Tijuana River Valley Unleashes Torrent of Trash and Concerns
By Border Report’s Salvador Rivera.- After a massive storm, residents near the Tijuana River Valley in San Diego, like Elizabeth Bagnas, were shocked by the immense amount of trash and debris washed in from Mexico. The floodwaters left a significant mess, posing health risks and requiring a major cleanup effort. Concerns about sewage contamination and its impact on those with respiratory illnesses are particularly troubling for the local community. Devastating floods struck San Diego, overwhelming the city's outdated drainage systems. Residents of an apartment complex in Mountain View experienced rapid inundation, leading to significant damage and loss, including the death of pets. The flood, intensified by blockages in Chollas Creek, highlighted the inadequacy of local infrastructure and emergency responses. Affected residents, many without flood insurance, faced the daunting task of cleanup and recovery, underscoring the challenges posed by climate change and urban planning failures.
Texas Endures Cold Snap: ERCOT’s Grid Holds Firm Amidst Renewed Challenges
By Sasha von Oldershausen of Texas Monthly.- A recent review by Texas Monthly examined the resilience of the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT) grid during a severe cold spell in Texas. In contrast to the catastrophic Winter Storm Uri of 2021, Texas experienced a significant cold snap with a record-high demand for electricity. Governor Greg Abbott lauded ERCOT for what he termed a "flawless" performance of the grid. However, experts provide a more complex analysis, pointing to various factors contributing to the grid's stability.
The review notes that the recent cold weather, while severe, was not as extreme as Uri's in terms of duration, intensity, and scope. This time, the electricity demand reached new highs, but the grid managed to withstand the pressure. This success is partly attributed to recent weatherization efforts and improved grid management. A critical factor in the grid's improved performance was the substantial contribution from renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, which set new production records in Texas.
Despite these positive developments, there were still challenges. ERCOT had to request voluntary energy conservation due to transmission limitations in some areas. The trauma from the 2021 freeze made many Texans more prepared, adopting energy-saving measures and emergency readiness plans.
Experts, including Joshua Rhodes, caution against declaring the grid's reliability absolute, pointing out the possibility of unforeseen complications and reminding of the upcoming colder month of February. The situation underscores the complexities of infrastructure improvements, the growing role of renewable energy, and the unpredictable nature of extreme weather.