Deadly mudslides

Deluge triggers mudslides that wipe out wealthy California town, killing at least 18

A powerful storm swept in from the Pacific, dumping rain on mountain slopes above the coastal enclave that were burned bare by a huge wildfire in December and causing massive mudslides that destroyed an estimated 100 houses, swept cars to the beach and left at least 18 dead.

An army of searchers and recovery workers in Montecito — a haven for the wealthy, celebrities and tourists — swelled to more than 2,000 on Saturday as they toiled in backbreaking work to remove mud, boulders and debris with earth-moving machines and shovels.

After a mandatory evacuation order, only an estimated 10 to 15 percent fled and much of the damage occurred where evacuations were voluntary. Many cited “evacuation fatigue” as residents have seen wildfires followed by the deadly mudslides.

Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press

Marcio Jose Sanchez / Associated Press A firefighter, above, stands on the roof of a house submerged in mud and rocks on Wednesday in Montecito. Rescue and working crews are toiling to clear the area of mud and debris.