Victims still missing after mudslide

Los Angeles – The search for survivors of the deadly mudslides in parts of California’s scenic Santa Barbara county continued yesterday even as hopes dwindled to find anyone else alive, officials said.

“We’re still in rescue mode and we still hope to find someone alive, although the chances of that are becoming slim,” said Justin Cooper, a spokesperson for the multi-agency response team.

The death toll rose to 19 on Saturday and one person was found alive the same day as the hunt continued for five people who remain missing, Cooper said. They range in age from 2 to 62.

Another 900 emergency personnel arrived this weekend to join the relief effort conducted by more than 2100 personnel from local, state and federal agencies, including the US Coast Guard, the US Navy and the American Red Cross. The ramped-up rescue effort is in response to urgent requests for additional manpower made earlier in the week.

The disaster struck on Tuesday after heavy rains soaked the area near Montecito, north of Los Angeles, where vegetation had been denuded by the largest wildfire in California’s history.

Sodden hillsides gave way, unleashing a torrent of mud, water, uprooted trees and boulders onto the valley below and killing victims aged from three to 89.

The destruction covered 78km2, and forced the partial closure of a main coastal artery, Highway 101. – Reuters