Rescuers look for survivors of landslides in California

Фото: Depositphotos

Rescuers continue to actively search for survivors of landslides and floods in Southern California - Santa Barbara County. As he writes CNN, at least 17 people died, 8 people still missing.

“Right now, all of our efforts are focused on finding survivors under the rubble of structures that were damaged,” said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown.

In places where rescue operations are difficult to carry, the authorities use helicopters.

Latest data:

• List of victims: Authorities released the names of 17 dead people. Age of victims from 3 to 89 years.
• All deaths were recorded in Santa Barbara County. Another 28 man from this district was injured.
• Floods and landslides destroyed 65 homes and damaged 462 dwellings. 8 was also destroyed and 20 commercial buildings were damaged.
• As of Wednesday, rescuers investigated the 75% of the affected area. Now the victims are looking for 500 rescuers and 10 dogs.
• In the next seven days, meteorologists do not predict rain in the area.
• Debris blocked part of the US 101 road — a highway that connects Northern and Southern California. It is expected that the road will open no earlier than Monday.

The situation in Montecito

In Montecito, rescuers also dismantled debris from mud, pieces of furniture and fallen trees to find survivors.

“We still have to hope and believe that people can be found. We're going to find more survivors," said Montecito resident Curt Pickering.

Some people managed to escape, but not everyone was lucky. Diane Brewer said her 69-year-old friend Josie Gower died from the mud flow when she opened the front door. The founder of the Catholic school 84-year-old Roy Roter died under the rubble of the house, his wife Teresa managed to survive.

Montesito County authorities have not yet published the names of the victims, but some of the relatives confirmed the identities of the victims.

Missing in Montesito are an elderly couple, James and Alice Mitchell.

Mudflows not only destroyed homes, but also damaged the supply of water and electricity. Hurt part of Montesito. People ride bicycles to areas where you can buy food and water.

Transport.

As part of the US 101 road is blocked, drivers have to change routes and schedules. So, some take boats between Ventura and Santa Barbara, to go around the blocked road. Some companies offer ferries that run four times a day and carry around 400 people.

Service Amtrak temporarily suspended work Employees are working to resume rail service.

Geological warnings

Because of the fires that previously raged in the area, rain brought strong mudslides, as there was no vegetation left to contain the water. Geologists warned that heavy rain can cause landslides in areas that have been affected by fires.

"Because of the Thomas Fire, areas like Montecito remain at risk of landslides for several years," said USGS geologist Randall Jibson.

Montesito and Carpinteria are most vulnerable to landslides, as there is a very steep terrain. For the start of landslides, there is enough rain that will go with an intensity of about half an inch per hour.

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