The clean-up effort is ongoing, even as more storms force closures and disrupt life for millions.
As some schools re-open across California, the scale of the damage caused by a once-in-a-generation deadly "parade of storms" is becoming clear - as well as the major clean-up effort that will be required for residents of all ages.
In Santa Barbara County, where the exclusive community of Montecito was evacuated due to fears of mudslides, the school district resumed classes for most pupils on Wednesday - one day after Montecito's order to flee was lifted. "This was the highest intensity rain I've ever seen," said Zoe Hadley, 18, who like most students at the boarding school has been pitching in to help prevent floodwater and debris from destroying parts of the campus.
Regina Butala, who directs the schools horse and rangeland management programmes, described how a drainage that nobody knew "would operate as a stream" suddenly began flooding pastures with debris. But, overall, the students' efforts have been "a very fun experience," she said, as some of them with more knowledge of extreme weather help instruct peers and teachers on flood prevention and disaster clean up."It was one of those moments when everybody was on the same level. There was no seniority, no cliques or groups of friends," she said. "It was really humbling to see everybody working together like that.
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