18 dead after US mudslides

AT least 18 people including four children have been confirmed dead in mudslides in California.

Officials last night admitted time was running out for other survivors to be found alive.

Authorities believe five people are still missing.

Santa Barbara fire dept spokesman Mike Eliason said: “We’ve got a window that’s closing, but we’re still very optimistic.

“There’s been plenty of cases where they’ve found people a week after.”