Crime & Safety

CA Mudslides: Surreal Photos Of Utter Devastation

A California official described the scene as a war zone as rescuers worked to save residents swept away from the mudslides. Here are photos.

Hoa Quách's profile picture
Hoa Quách, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge
|

MONTECITO, CA -- Rescuers from a small town in Santa Barbara County were searching for mudslide victims Wednesday as the community mourned the loss of 15 people. Montecito, a wealthy suburb along the coast, saw floods of mud in the city that was recovering from a devastating wildfire just weeks ago.

Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown told news reporters on Tuesday that the city looked like a war zone as rescue dogs searched through the muddy debris for more victims. At least 25 people have been injured in the disaster that also washed away and damaged homes and buildings.

Phillip Harnsberger crosses through mud from a flooded creek on Sheffield Drive in Montecito, Calif., following heavy rain, Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Multiple 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. (AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker)
In this photo provided by Santa Barbara County Fire Department, mud and debris flow on the roadway due to heavy rain in Montecito. Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Heavy rains pounding Southern California for a second day are causing floods and loosening hillsides as officials in fire-ravaged communities warn people to stay off roads over fears of mud and debris flows. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP)
In this photo provided by Santa Barbara County Fire Department, the main line of the Union Pacific Railroad through Montecito, Calif, is blocked with mudflow and debris due to heavy rains 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. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP)
In this photo provided by Santa Barbara County Fire Department, Santa Barbara County Fire Search Dog Reilly looks for victims in damaged and destroyed homes in Montecito, Calif. following deadly runoff of mud and debris from heavy rain on Tuesday, Jan. 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. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP)
This photo provided by Ventura County Sheriff's Office shows an arial view of Montecito, Calif., with Oprah Winfrey's estate in the middle and mudflow and debris due to heavy rains 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. (Ventura County Sheriff's Office via AP)
In this photo provided by the Santa Barbara County Fire Department, shows a semi-tractor trailer sits stuck in mud on U.S. Highway 101, in Montecito, Calif. on Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. 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. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP)
A 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. (Daniel Dreifuss)
A member of the Long Beach Search and Rescue team looks for survivors in a car 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. (Daniel Dreifuss)
In this photo provided by Santa Barbara County Fire Department, firefighters successfully rescue a 14-year-old girl, right, after she was trapped for hours inside a destroyed home in Montecito, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. Multiple people were killed and homes were swept from their foundations as mud and debris from wildfire-scarred hillsides flowed through neighborhoods and onto a key Southern California highway Tuesday during a powerful winter storm that dropped record rain across the state. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP)
In this photo provided by Santa Barbara County Fire Department, U.S. 101 freeway at the Olive Mill Road overpass is flooded with runoff water from Montecito Creek 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. (Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department via AP)
Carpinteria resident Jeff Gallup carries his bike through mud on Foothill Road in Carpinteria, Calif., Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2018. (AP Photo/Michael Owen Baker)

Also See:

Find out what's happening in Annapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

California Mudslides Kill 15, Wash Away Homes

Body Found In Westminster Flood Channel

Find out what's happening in Annapolisfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Swiftwater Rescue Team Frees Driver In IE Floodwaters

Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

More from Annapolis