MONTECITO, Calif. – Rescue crews in US state of California have been combing through tons of debris for survivors after 17 people were confirmed dead and another 17 people missing.
At least 28 others had been reported injured, and 17 more are missing, officials said without publicly identifying any of those killed in the mudslides.
Approximately 100 homes were destroyed and 300 were damaged in in Montecito. Eight commercial properties were also destroyed, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Among the damaged properties were historic hotels and the homes of celebrities including television personality Oprah Winfrey and talk-show host Ellen DeGeneres in Montecito.
Several roads were closed, including the major Highway 101 which authorities say will not be reopened until Monday.
Crews have completed a primary search of 75% of the debris field, and more than 500 first responders and 10 dogs are looking for victims in Santa Barbara County.
Rescue workers are using helicopters in a search hampered by blocked roads, and downed trees and power lines.
Southern California #mudslide pic.twitter.com/9MZFTlOyG1
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About 300 people who were stuck in their homes in Montecito’s Romero Canyon neighbourhood throughout the debris field were rescued Tuesday night.
Heavy rains sent rivers of mud tumbling down hillsides Tuesday, demolishing homes in the affluent seaside community of Montecito weeks after a massive fire charred the area last month.
The wildfires, including the Thomas Fire – the largest in the state’s history – stripped hillsides of vegetation and left behind a slick film that prevented the ground from absorbing rainwater.
