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Drone Photo Captures Long Beach’s Wave Assault on Ocean-front Homes
By Drooid · · How we work
Photographer’s Account of the Scene
Staff photojournalist Jae C. Hong, an Associated Press employee since 2007, explained that he traveled to Long Beach after several days of news reports describing powerful waves battering beachfront residences. He observed that the surf had been eroding sand and threatening the foundations of the houses, leaving only a thin barrier between the structures and the ocean. Hong said he chose to document the event because the ongoing pounding highlighted the vulnerability of the homes despite the waves not being the largest on record.
Storm Remnants Driving the Waves
The surge was generated by the lingering effects of Tropical Storm Rachel. Meteorologists had warned that the final strong waves were expected to arrive within the next few days, and Hong’s visit coincided with what was anticipated to be one of the last periods of intense surf. The storm’s remnants continued to push water onto the shore, creating repeated impacts over several days.
Drone Approach and Visual Impact
Hong employed a drone to achieve a ground-level perspective that conventional aerial shots could not provide. By flying low enough to align the camera with the height of the homes, he was able to illustrate how the waves rose to the level of the rooftops while maintaining a safe distance from the spray and surf. He noted that this angle emphasized both the scale of the water and the thin margin of protection surrounding the properties.
Implications for Coastal Communities
The photograph underscores the broader risk that persistent wave action poses to coastal housing, especially in areas where protective dunes or seawalls are minimal. Hong’s visual evidence suggests that even moderate, sustained surf can inflict significant structural damage, prompting local officials and residents to consider enhanced shoreline defenses and building codes to mitigate future threats.