34 million in US state of California under flood watch

By Servet Gunerigok

WASHINGTON (AA) - Nearly 34 million people across the US state of California are under a flood watch Tuesday as heavy rain and storms continue to wreak havoc.

At least 15 people have died from rain and storms that began during the weekend, according to multiple reports.

Most deaths were caused by road accidents, falling trees and floods due to weather conditions.

Authorities have stepped up efforts to safeguard citizens.

About 32,000 residents in the Santa Cruz region and 10,000 in Santa Barbara have been evacuated because of the risk of floods and landslides.

It was reported that 225,000 homes and businesses in the Santa Clara region were without electricity.

The National Weather Service warned Sunday of a "relentless parade of atmospheric rivers."

State emergency services and meteorologists estimated the cost of ongoing storms and floods across the state will reach several billion dollars.

President Joe Biden approved an emergency declaration Jan. 8 for California due to storms, winds and rain.