Los Angeles

Hikers Rescued After Rush of Rainwater Forces Them Up Tree

The two women were visiting from Florida

Two women were trapped after climbing a tree when they were caught off-guard by rushing rainwater in the Hollywood Hills Friday.

"We were just on a hike, and out of nowhere it started to rain. And then this huge waterfall came," Natasha Vara said. "We got stuck."

Vara and Bibi Borja, visiting from Florida, were hiking down Betty B. Dearing trail at 3 p.m. when it began to rain, and the rushing water forced them up into a tree.

"All the sudden we heard water coming and then it started rushing like a movie," Borja said.

Los Angeles County Firefighters rescued the women from the trail off the 8500 block of Mulholland Drive after the women were able to call 911 for help.

The two had no idea a portion of the trail is called the "rain forest" by those who know it well.

They were not injured, but learned a valuable lesson: No hiking on unknown trails ahead of a storm.

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