SAN DIEGO, California – As a forecasted storm threatened to bring heavy rain to San Diego, no one anticipated the catastrophic flooding that would hit the city. Within hours, hundreds of families found themselves homeless, their homes engulfed by floodwaters that rose swiftly due to a meteorological phenomenon known as “training.” The deluge dumped three to four times the amount of rain that had been predicted, leaving residents in shock and scrambling for safety.
The hardest hit neighborhoods were in Southeast San Diego, particularly Southcrest, where the floodwaters sought low ground and engulfed single-story homes. Residents, both young and old, found themselves climbing up to their rooftops to escape the rising waters, unsure if it would be enough to keep them safe.
One resident, Duncan MacLuan, a construction worker living in a small apartment complex, shared his harrowing experience of waking up to flooding and being rescued from his rooftop as the waters continued to rise. He recounted the chaos and panic that ensued as the community came together to seek safety.
MacLuan described how the water quickly rose, flooding his home and leaving him and his roommate with no choice but to seek refuge on the roof. He recalled the surreal sight of neighbors and their pets all seeking safety on their rooftops, surrounded by the relentless floodwaters.
The devastation was not limited to flooded homes. Vehicles were swept away, and personal belongings were lost in the rapidly rising waters. MacLuan showed the wreckage of his 2018 Kia Soul, now a total loss, as well as the destruction of his home where everything appeared to be ruined.
The flood not only left physical destruction but also emotional and financial strain on the residents. While MacLuan was able to salvage a bottle of tequila, most of his possessions were destroyed, and the future remained uncertain as he questioned the extent of his insurance coverage.
As the community works to recover from the disaster, the aftermath of the storm serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the resilience of those who were impacted. The need for support and assistance is crucial in rebuilding and restoring what was lost in the blink of an eye.