Forest Falls Residents Battle Mudslide After Devastating Flood
UPDATE: Residents of Forest Falls are grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic mudslide following severe flooding on September 18, 2025. The torrential rains devastated homes, forcing families like that of Olin Richey to confront the destruction head-on as they begin the arduous recovery process.
In a heart-wrenching scene, mud and debris have engulfed homes, leaving families to sift through the remnants of their lives. Richey, a local pastor, describes the scene: “I’ve never seen such heavy runoff from the mountain. You can’t contain it, and you really can’t prepare for it.” The emotional toll is palpable, especially for Richey’s 15-year-old daughter, Victoria, who struggles to process the destruction of the only home she has ever known.
As emergency crews assess the damage across Southern California, reports confirm that the flooding claimed the life of a 2-year-old boy in Barstow, who was separated from his father when their car was swept into a channel. The community is in mourning as the search for answers continues.
Richey and his family, along with neighbors, are working tirelessly to salvage what they can from their mud-filled home. A seven-foot wall of sludge has obliterated parts of their house, leading authorities to “red-tag” it as unsafe. Richey estimates it will take at least three months to begin rebuilding—time he will need to take off from his pastoral duties.
“It’s devastating,” Richey said as he and his family dug through their belongings. “We built this home together while Jessica was pregnant with our second child. It’s not just a house; it’s our life.” Their garage now resembles a swamp, cluttered with personal items lost to the flood.
Local businesses are also feeling the impact. Workers at the Oak Glen Steak House were busy clearing four to five feet of mud from the parking lot, reflecting the widespread devastation across the area. Community members are banding together, demonstrating resilience despite the disaster.
Veronica Hampton, a clerk at the Elkhorn General Store, described the store as the “downtown center” of Forest Falls. “We try to stay open if it’s safe, so we can give people supplies if they’re stuck up here,” she said, highlighting the community’s spirit to support one another in times of crisis.
Meanwhile, San Bernardino County had previously installed K-rails and M-rails in an attempt to mitigate flooding, but Richey noted that these measures were not enough to prevent the chaos that ensued. “It’s a geologically active area,” said Carl Imthurn, leader of the local Seventh-day Adventist Church. “We’re living in the wilderness.”
As cleanup efforts continue, the emotional weight of the situation is heavy on residents. “You don’t want life to go on as if nothing happened,” Imthurn said, emphasizing the need for community support and healing. The church community is rallying together, with members assisting families like the Richeys as they navigate the recovery process.
Looking ahead, residents remain uncertain but hopeful. “It’s our faith that brings us back,” Olin Richey stated, reflecting on the strength his family draws from their beliefs. “We believe that God will protect us. We did it last time. We’ll do it again.”
This developing story highlights the resilience of a community in crisis and the urgent need for support as they begin to rebuild their lives in the wake of this devastating flood.
