I was thinking the same. If these people are living in the mountains, there is no risk of flooding. All the damage we have seen is at the base of the mountain.

Some may have food cellers to avoid the high winds. The mountains may have protected them from the high winds.

They may be stranded because the roads are washed out but many of them may be just fine. If they have generators, a well, put away some food, they may not realize the scandal they are part of.