California authorities say 100 single-family homes were destroyed in the flash-floods that struck the coastal enclave of Montecito and adjacent areas of Santa Barbara County. (Jan. 10) AP
Search and rescue efforts intensified Wednesday for hundreds of Montecito residents feared trapped in their homes after deadly walls of mud and debris roared down California hillsides stripped of vegetation by recent ferocious wildfires.
More: Search dogs lead hunt for more victims of Montecito mudslide
The one-two punch of fire and downpour-fueled debris flows have debilitated the affluent, picturesque community of about 10,000 people. The slides have killed at least 17, destroyed an estimated 100 homes, and sent rescuers scrambling through the rubble searching for dozens who are missing.
More: Many ignored mudslide warnings until it was too late
More: Latest Santa Barbara numbers: 17 dead and 59 homes destroyed; Highway 101 closed until Monday
More: What are debris flows and why do they occur?
“We have no idea where they’re at," Santa Barbara County spokeswoman Amber Anderson said of the missing people. "We think somewhere in the debris field."
Sheriff Bill Brown said the primary focus of first responders was "to evacuate those who are trapped and need help getting out." He said residents can shelter in place in their homes — adding that anyone moving about the area faces possible arrest.
The county fire department tweeted a photo of a mud-encased 14-year-old girl being rescued alive from the rubble of a Montecito home. Fire spokesman MIke Eliason said the girl had been trapped for hours.
Scores of homes have been destroyed or severely damaged, with search efforts focused on determining if their residents survived. Sheriff deputies and other first responders had to cautiously pick through debris to access shattered homes.
Helicopters, rescue dogs and swift-water rescue teams were aiding the search, which was slowed by closed roads and downed trees and power lines.
MORE MUDSLIDE VIDEO:
Flash-floods flattened at least 100 houses, killed at least 17 people and had hundreds more fleeing for their lives. (Jan. 10) AP
A mudslide has transformed a portion of Montecito into something resembling a post-apocalyptic movie. JUAN CARLO/THE STAR
California authorities say 100 single-family homes were destroyed in the flash-floods that struck the coastal enclave of Montecito and adjacent areas of Santa Barbara County. (Jan. 10) AP
US Coast Guard video shows more helicopter rescues from the southern California mudslides. A man, a girl and a dog were plucked from the roof of their home on Tuesday. A separate helicopter evacuated eight people and five dogs from Montecito. (Jan. 11) AP
A mudslide has swept through coastal area northwest of Los Angeles. Santa Barbara County authorities are now trying to find the injured or trapped people after a powerful mud flow swept away dozens of homes. USA TODAY
The death toll from the powerful debris flows that hit the Southern California community of Montecito has risen to 15. The storm that slammed the California coastal community is over. The search for victims continues. (Jan. 10) AP
The death toll from the mudslides that struck Southern California climbed to 15 today as rescue crews continue to search for anyone trapped, injured or dead in the onslaught. (Jan. 10) AP
Just two days following her Golden Globes speech, Oprah Winfrey’s home has been impacted by the deadly mudslides in Santa Barbara, California. Veuer's Natasha Abellard (@NatashaAbellard) has the story. Buzz60
At least six people were killed and homes were ripped from their foundations Tuesday as downpours sent mud and boulders roaring down hills stripped of vegetation by a gigantic wildfire that raged in Southern California last month. (Jan. 9) AP
A powerful storm hit Southern California, deluging hills and mountains burned bare last month by the largest wildfire in recorded California history. Torrents roared through neighborhoods in Montecito, sweeping some homes away entirely. (Jan. 9) AP
Helicopters plucked dozens from rooftops in Southern California after mudslides in wildfire-scorched areas swept away or damaged homes. A family of five and their two dogs were rescued in Santa Barbara County. At least 13 people are dead. (Jan. 10) AP
Many homes near Santa Barbara, California were completely swept away by mudslides on Tuesday. (Jan. 9) AP
Flooding and mudslides triggered by heavy rains swept away homes in Southern California. USA TODAY
Evacuations have been ordered for communities below hillsides charred by California's largest-ever wildfire as the first major winter storm of the season brings rare rain and possible mudslides. AP
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