Ventura County Mudslides

Ravaged by wildfires, heavy rains, downed trees, road closures and mudslides.

Tuesday’s rainstorm in southern California has triggered a devastating mudslide spreading hazardous debris throughout Ventura County/Santa Barbra neighborhoods. Search and rescue has been on high alert in the surrounding areas to find people stranded, trapped, or injured. Decembers wildfires played a major role in the mudslide by depleting vegetation. It was said that well over 400 firefighters from CAL FIRE, local firehouses and volunteer units were dispatched help.

Emergency Line 911 | Shelter Information 211 | Gas outages 1-800-GAS-2200 (1-800-427-2200)

From the County of Santa Barbra: “For safety reasons, natural gas will be shut off to most parts of Montecito after 5pm this evening to repair the distribution system. It may take several days for gas to be restored to these customers. Specifically, the gas outage area includes the area north of Hwy 101 to Foothill/East Valley Road and East of Hot Springs/Olive Mill to San Ysidro Road. For additional gas outage info go to socalgas.com/Montecito or dial 1-800-GAS-2200 (1-800-427-2200). Most parts of the community of Montecito will also be without potable water, electricity, and sanitation for an unknown/extended period of time due to the storm. More information will be provided as soon as it becomes available. An evacuation shelter has been set up at Santa Barbara City College. See shelter information here or call 211.”

From the LA Times: “In just a matter of minutes, pounding rain overwhelmed the south-facing slopes above Montecito and flooded a creek that leads to the ocean, sending mud and massive boulders rolling into residential neighborhoods, according to Santa Barbara County Fire Department spokesman Mike Eliason.”

At least 25 other people were injured, authorities said at an afternoon press conference. Crews rescued 50 people by air and dozens more from the ground.

Sources:

http://beta.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rainfall-mudflow-20180109-story.html

https://www.countyofsb.org/thomasfire.sbc

https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1Wc6reES0vN7UjqIY64x7mYtu8D9XDmy9&hl=en-US&gl=us&ll=34.73614428968039%2C-119.40081700703126&z=9z=11