Grim hope in mudslide

MORE than two days after mudslides ravaged the Californian town of Montecito, the search for survivors has grown increasingly pessimistic. To date, 17 fatalities have been confirmed with more than 40 others being unaccounted for.

“We certainly are searching for a miracle right now,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown.

The mudslide took many homeowners by surprise, despite advanced warnings that mudslides were possible because recent wildfires had stripped hillsides of vegetation that holds the soil in place.