Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) Inspector Jerry Kao survived a terrifying ordeal when a mudslide pushed his SUV off a 30-foot cliff into the Pacific Ocean earlier this month. The incident happened on February 13 during a powerful Southern California rainstorm that caused widespread flash floods and mudslides across Los Angeles County.
Kao’s vehicle was swept off the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH), just north of La Tuna Canyon, as severe weather caused dangerous conditions in areas already vulnerable due to recent wildfires.
How the Incident Happened
Kao was driving along the PCH when, without warning, a mudslide struck his SUV:
- A wall of mud slammed into the passenger side of the car.
- The force pushed his vehicle across three lanes of traffic.
- The SUV plummeted off the cliff, eventually landing on the muddy shore below.
“I said out loud in the car, ‘I’m not gonna die in this car today,'” Kao recalled in an interview with LAFD spokesperson Erik Scott.
Survival Against the Odds
Once his car hit the ground, Kao faced a new danger: the risk of his vehicle filling with mud and water from the ocean.
Here’s how he survived:
- He used a knife to slash the deployed airbags, clearing his view.
- Kao waited for the right moment to open the door without letting mud and water flood the inside.
- Once outside, he sank past his knees in thick mud but managed to climb up the embankment back toward the highway.
“I was mentally preparing to take one last breath in case the windows burst,” Kao said, recalling the fear of drowning.
A Call No One Wants to Make
After reaching safety, Kao immediately contacted dispatch for help. His next call was even harder: reaching out to his wife.
“That was the hardest call because I knew how much it would stress her out,” Kao admitted.
A New Outlook on Life
As a father of four and a dedicated public servant, Kao says the experience changed his perspective:
- He now has a renewed appreciation for his family.
- Everyday moments, like dropping his daughter off at school, feel more significant.
- The near-death experience has left him with deep gratitude for his survival.
“It could’ve played out differently, and I wouldn’t have been able to do that,” Kao reflected.
The Bigger Picture: Southern California’s Mudslide Risk
The February storm brought:
- Flash floods and mudslides across Los Angeles County.
- Closures of major roads, including the Pacific Coast Highway.
- Increased vulnerability due to wildfire-damaged hillsides, which are more prone to landslides during heavy rain.
How to Stay Safe During Mudslides
Authorities advise taking these precautions in areas prone to mudslides:
- Stay informed: Monitor local weather alerts and evacuation orders.
- Have an emergency plan: Prepare an evacuation route and emergency kit.
- Avoid driving on vulnerable roads during heavy storms.
- Report hazards to local authorities immediately.
