This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-42624408
The article has changed 9 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Version 1 | Version 2 |
---|---|
Eight dead amid California heavy rains and mudslides | |
(35 minutes later) | |
At least eight people are dead amid mudslides in Southern California, where heavy rains triggered flooding and massive run-off, US media report. | |
"Waist-deep" mudslides in areas scorched by wildfires last month shut down more than 30 miles (48km) of the main coastal highway, officials say. | "Waist-deep" mudslides in areas scorched by wildfires last month shut down more than 30 miles (48km) of the main coastal highway, officials say. |
A source at the Santa Barbara Sheriff's office tells BBC News that the death toll is expected to climb. | |
At least 25 people were injured and thousands fled amid the deluge. | |
More than 50 rescues have so far been performed. | |
The hardest hit homes were those that were not in the evacuation zone, official say. | |
Heavy rain run-off caused waist-deep mudflow in the Montecito, where some homes were knocked from their foundations, said Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Mike Eliason. | |
Boulders the size of small cars were rolling down hillsides, and blocking roads, reports BBC News Los Angeles correspondent James Cook. | Boulders the size of small cars were rolling down hillsides, and blocking roads, reports BBC News Los Angeles correspondent James Cook. |
Among those taken to safety was a 14-year-old girl who had been trapped for hours in the ruins of her home. | Among those taken to safety was a 14-year-old girl who had been trapped for hours in the ruins of her home. |
The fire department published a picture of the girl encased in mud as she was led to safety. | The fire department published a picture of the girl encased in mud as she was led to safety. |
County Fire Captain Dave Zaniboni said that five people were found dead on Tuesday in Montecito and may have been killed as result of the storm. | County Fire Captain Dave Zaniboni said that five people were found dead on Tuesday in Montecito and may have been killed as result of the storm. |
The US Coast Guard has sent "multiple airships to support rescue operations" and warn the public not to fly drones, otherwise the flights will force to be grounded. | |
Wildfires in December, including the Thomas Fire, swept through the area burning vegetation that helps prevent flooding and landslides. | Wildfires in December, including the Thomas Fire, swept through the area burning vegetation that helps prevent flooding and landslides. |
Thousands of California residents were asked to evacuate on Monday for the second time in two months. | Thousands of California residents were asked to evacuate on Monday for the second time in two months. |
In Burbank, where waves of mud swept away vehicles, officials issued a mandatory evacuation order. | |
Homeowners in the area shared photos of mud in their homes. | Homeowners in the area shared photos of mud in their homes. |
Several roads are closed due to mudslides and debris, including the major thoroughfare Highway 101. | Several roads are closed due to mudslides and debris, including the major thoroughfare Highway 101. |
After a wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil create a water repellent layer which blocks water absorption and leads to an increased risk of mudslides and floods. | After a wildfire, burned vegetation and charred soil create a water repellent layer which blocks water absorption and leads to an increased risk of mudslides and floods. |
"Recent burn areas will be especially vulnerable where dangerous mud and debris flows are possible," said the National Weather Service in a statement. | "Recent burn areas will be especially vulnerable where dangerous mud and debris flows are possible," said the National Weather Service in a statement. |
The Federal Emergency Management Agency shared a warning for California homeowners explaining that homes that had never flooded before were now at risk. | The Federal Emergency Management Agency shared a warning for California homeowners explaining that homes that had never flooded before were now at risk. |
About 30,000 residents were under evacuation orders on Monday. | About 30,000 residents were under evacuation orders on Monday. |
This comes after a record-setting year of $306 billion (£226 billion) of weather and climate-related disaster costs in the United States, the third warmest year on record, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. | This comes after a record-setting year of $306 billion (£226 billion) of weather and climate-related disaster costs in the United States, the third warmest year on record, according to the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. |
The storm over California is expected to produce 4 inches to 7 inches (10 to 18 cm) in the foothills and 9in (23cm) in select areas. | |
Snow is falling at higher elevations, according to the National Weather Service. |