A deadly mudslide struck Montecito, California, in the early morning of Tuesday, January 8. Rivers of mud, rocks, and trees tumbled from the hills, damaging hundreds of homes in Southern California. At least 17 people were killed. As of Friday morning, 43 were still missing.
Montecito is an affluent neighborhood with celebrity residents like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres. But now most of Montecito is dotted with mud-filled houses, wrecked cars, and snapped power-line poles. Parts of U.S. 101 Freeway remain closed and covered with mud and debris. Nearly 20,000 acres were affected. Tens of thousands of people were left without power. Many still don't have safe drinking water. About 500 first responders used helicopters and dogs to help trapped residents.