http://www.timesunion.com/news/crime/article/The-Latest-Mudslides-began-before-phone-alerts-12490427.php
The Latest: Surgeon among 17 killed in California mudslides
Updated 9:34 pm, Thursday, January 11, 2018
Flash-floods flattened at least 100 houses, killed at least 17 people and had hundreds more fleeing for their lives. (Jan. 10)
Media: Associated PressEDITOR'S NOTE: The Associated Press is in the process of correcting an earlier report that indicated 48 people were missing. That number has been dramatically reduced. An update to the story will be provided as soon as it's available.
MONTECITO, Calif. (AP) — The Latest on the California mudslide disaster (all times local):
7:10 a.m.
The number of people missing after the deadly mudslides in Montecito, California, has surged to 48.
Santa Barbara County spokeswoman Amber Anderson says the new number tallied Thursday follows sheriff's investigations of missing-persons reports.
The number of missing persons has fluctuated since the disaster hit early Tuesday morning and had been as low as 16 on Wednesday evening.
The US 101 Freeway at the Olive Mill Road overpass flooded with runoff water from Montecito Creek.
The US 101 Freeway at the Olive Mill Road overpass flooded with runoff water from Montecito Creek.
The US 101 Freeway at the Olive Mill Road overpass flooded with runoff water from Montecito Creek.
The US 101 Freeway at the Olive Mill Road overpass flooded with runoff water from Montecito Creek.
A man who gave his name only as Ian rides his bike through a mud puddle in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. More than a dozen people were killed and homes were torn from their foundations Tuesday as downpours sent mud and boulders roaring down hills stripped of vegetation by a wildfire that raged in Southern California last month.
lessA man who gave his name only as Ian rides his bike through a mud puddle in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. More than a dozen people were killed and homes were torn from their foundations Tuesday as
... moreMontecito resident Donald Crouse surveys the damage on East Valley Road in Montecito, Calif., where utility lines fell onto a bridge during the rain storm, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.
Montecito resident Donald Crouse surveys the damage on East Valley Road in Montecito, Calif., where utility lines fell onto a bridge during the rain storm, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.
This photo provided by Stacey Wright with the Santa Barbara Urban Hikers shows a small dog being rescued on Olive Mill Rd. Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in Montecito, Calif. More than a dozen people were killed and homes were torn 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.
lessThis photo provided by Stacey Wright with the Santa Barbara Urban Hikers shows a small dog being rescued on Olive Mill Rd. Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in Montecito, Calif. More than a dozen people were killed and
... moreFirefighters successfully rescued a 14 yr old girl (right) after she was trapped for hours inside a destroyed home in Montecito.
Firefighters successfully rescued a 14 yr old girl (right) after she was trapped for hours inside a destroyed home in Montecito.
A women is hoisted out with the help of a San Bernardino County Sheriff's helicopter on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in the Santa Ana River and near the borders of Rialto, Colton, and Riverside, Calif. Three people and a dog were rescued by a helicopter after large amounts of rain fell, trapping the group at a homeless encampment in the river.
lessA women is hoisted out with the help of a San Bernardino County Sheriff's helicopter on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in the Santa Ana River and near the borders of Rialto, Colton, and Riverside, Calif. Three people
... moreA women is hoisted out with the help of a San Bernardino County Sheriff's helicopter on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in the Santa Ana River and near the borders of Rialto, Colton, and Riverside, Calif. Three people and a dog were rescued by a helicopter after large amounts of rain fell, trapping the group at a homeless encampment in the river.
lessA women is hoisted out with the help of a San Bernardino County Sheriff's helicopter on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in the Santa Ana River and near the borders of Rialto, Colton, and Riverside, Calif. Three people
... moreThis photo provided by Stacey Wright with the Santa Barbara Urban Hikers shows rescue workers searching for survivors along Olive Mill Rd. Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in Montecito, Calif. More than a dozen people were killed and homes were torn 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.
lessThis photo provided by Stacey Wright with the Santa Barbara Urban Hikers shows rescue workers searching for survivors along Olive Mill Rd. Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in Montecito, Calif. More than a dozen people
... moreA car and debris smashed against a tree along Hot Springs Road in Montecito, Calif. Heavy rain brought flash flooding and mudslides to the area in Montecito, Calif. on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. At least five people were killed and homes were swept from their foundations Tuesday as heavy rain sent mud and boulders sliding down hills stripped of vegetation by a gigantic wildfire that raged in Southern California last month.
lessA car and debris smashed against a tree along Hot Springs Road in Montecito, Calif. Heavy rain brought flash flooding and mudslides to the area in Montecito, Calif. on Tuesday, January 9, 2018. At least five
... moreThis photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department shows a home that has been buried in flood debris in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Several homes were swept away before dawn Tuesday when mud and debris roared into neighborhoods in Montecito from hillsides stripped of vegetation during the Thomas wildfire.
lessThis photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department shows a home that has been buried in flood debris in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Several homes were swept away before dawn Tuesday
... moreThis photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department shows a boat that has pierced a travel trailer in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Several homes were swept away before dawn Tuesday when mud and debris roared into neighborhoods in Montecito from hillsides stripped of vegetation during a recent wildfire.
lessThis photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department shows a boat that has pierced a travel trailer in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Several homes were swept away before dawn Tuesday when
... moreSanta Barbara County Fire Search Dog Reilly looks for victims in damaged and destroyed homes in Montecito, California on January 9, 2018 following deadly runoff of mud and debris from heavy rain overnight.
Santa Barbara County Fire Search Dog Reilly looks for victims in damaged and destroyed homes in Montecito, California on January 9, 2018 following deadly runoff of mud and debris from heavy rain overnight.
Residents gather at a road blockage on East Valley Road in Montecito, Calif., where utility lines fell onto a bridge during the rain storm, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.
Residents gather at a road blockage on East Valley Road in Montecito, Calif., where utility lines fell onto a bridge during the rain storm, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.
Cars that were washed away are piled up on the banks of Romero Creek in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Dozens of homes were swept away or heavily damaged Tuesday as downpours sent mud and boulders roaring down hills stripped of vegetation by a gigantic wildfire that raged in Southern California last month.
lessCars that were washed away are piled up on the banks of Romero Creek in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Dozens of homes were swept away or heavily damaged Tuesday as downpours sent mud and boulders
... moreThis photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department shows damaged vehicles carried by mud flow and debris at the parking garage of The Montecito Inn in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Several homes were swept away before dawn Tuesday when mud and debris roared into neighborhoods in Montecito from hillsides stripped of vegetation during the Thomas wildfire.
lessThis photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department shows damaged vehicles carried by mud flow and debris at the parking garage of The Montecito Inn in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.
... moreCars sit in mud at a housing complex in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.
Cars sit in mud at a housing complex in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.
A Tesla sits in mud at a housing complex in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Dozens of homes were swept away or heavily damaged Tuesday as downpours sent mud and boulders roaring down hills stripped of vegetation by a gigantic wildfire that raged in Southern California last month. (AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker)
lessA Tesla sits in mud at a housing complex in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Dozens of homes were swept away or heavily damaged Tuesday as downpours sent mud and boulders roaring down hills stripped of
... moreIn this photo provided by Santa Barbara County Fire Department, shows a detail of a Mercedes-Benz hood ornament stuck in the mud after the vehicle was washed away and destroyed by flood waters in Montecito, Calif. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Several homes were swept away before dawn Tuesday when mud and debris roared into neighborhoods in Montecito from hillsides stripped of vegetation during a recent wildfire.
lessIn this photo provided by Santa Barbara County Fire Department, shows a detail of a Mercedes-Benz hood ornament stuck in the mud after the vehicle was washed away and destroyed by flood waters in Montecito,
... moreDebris and Mud cover Hot Springs Road in Montecito, California on January 9, 2018 due to heavy rain fall in the region.
Debris and Mud cover Hot Springs Road in Montecito, California on January 9, 2018 due to heavy rain fall in the region.
A large boulder sits in the middle of Bella Vista Drive in Montecito, Calif., following the rain storm, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.
A large boulder sits in the middle of Bella Vista Drive in Montecito, Calif., following the rain storm, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018.
Debris and Mud cover Hot Springs Road in Montecito, California on January 9, 2018 due to heavy rain fall in the region.
Debris and Mud cover Hot Springs Road in Montecito, California on January 9, 2018 due to heavy rain fall in the region.
The main line of the Union Pacific Railroad through Montecito is blocked with mudflow and debris due to heavy rains.
The main line of the Union Pacific Railroad through Montecito is blocked with mudflow and debris due to heavy rains.
This photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department shows Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit helicopter under a rainbow while on a rescue mission following deadly mudflow after heavy rains trapped dozens of people in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Several homes were swept away before dawn Tuesday when mud and debris roared into neighborhoods in Montecito from hillsides stripped of vegetation during the Thomas wildfire.
lessThis photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department shows Santa Barbara County Air Support Unit helicopter under a rainbow while on a rescue mission following deadly mudflow after heavy rains
... moreFirefighters tend to a woman on Hot Springs Road while waiting for an ambulance. The woman was pulled by firefighters from a debris pile in Montecito caused by heavy rain runoff.
Firefighters tend to a woman on Hot Springs Road while waiting for an ambulance. The woman was pulled by firefighters from a debris pile in Montecito caused by heavy rain runoff.
This photo provided by Stacey Wright with the Santa Barbara Urban Hikers shows people being evacuated early Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in Montecito, Calif. More than a dozen people were killed and homes were torn 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.
lessThis photo provided by Stacey Wright with the Santa Barbara Urban Hikers shows people being evacuated early Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in Montecito, Calif. More than a dozen people were killed and homes were torn
... moreSanta Barbara county firefighters rescue two men and a woman from flood water/debris flow of Hot Springs Rd. in Montecito. Multiple rescues are underway throughout the area.
Santa Barbara county firefighters rescue two men and a woman from flood water/debris flow of Hot Springs Rd. in Montecito. Multiple rescues are underway throughout the area.
Santa Barbara county firefighters rescue two men and a woman from flood water/debris flow of Hot Springs Rd. in Montecito. Multiple rescues are underway throughout the area.
Santa Barbara county firefighters rescue two men and a woman from flood water/debris flow of Hot Springs Rd. in Montecito. Multiple rescues are underway throughout the area.
This photo provided by Stacey Wright with the Santa Barbara Urban Hikers shows rescue workers working to revive a child pulled from the mud Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in Montecito, Calif. More than a dozen people were killed and homes were torn 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. The child's condition was unknown. (Stacey Wright/Santa Barbara Urban Hikers via AP)
lessThis photo provided by Stacey Wright with the Santa Barbara Urban Hikers shows rescue workers working to revive a child pulled from the mud Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018, in Montecito, Calif. More than a dozen people
... moreAnderson says the number of confirmed fatalities remains at 17.
___
6:26 a.m.
The deadly mudslides that hit Montecito, California, were already occurring when Santa Barbara County officials first sent emergency alerts to cellphones in the area.
County emergency manager Jeff Gater tells the Los Angeles Times that the alert issued around 3:50 a.m. Tuesday was sent because of deteriorating conditions and followed one issued by the National Weather Service.
For days beforehand, the county had issued repeated warnings through social media, news media and community information emails about the potential for mudflows from the huge wildfire scar in the hills above neighborhoods.
Gater tells the Times more than 200,000 emails and other warnings were issued, but the county decided not to use the push alert system to cellphones out of concern that it might not be taken seriously.
Authorities also say only a small percentage of residents heeded mandatory and voluntary evacuation warnings.
___
11:42 p.m.
Hundreds of searchers are still hunting for survivors of the flash flooding and mudslides near Santa Barbara, California.
They slogged through ooze and poked long holes into the mud on Wednesday as they searched for victims a day after the massive debris flow passed through.
The death toll from Tuesday's pre-dawn flash flood rose to 17 as more bodies were found. Another 17 were still reported missing.
Authorities are hoped to find them alive.
By Wednesday, some 500 searchers had covered about 75 percent of the inundated area in the search for victims.
