Rescue workers enter properties to look for missing persons after a mudslide in Montecito, California. Photo: ReutersThe death toll from mudslides that devastated parts of California's scenic Santa Barbara County rose to 19 on Saturday amid a massive influx of emergency crews searching for five people still missing. One missing person was found alive on Saturday but chances were dwindling fast that more survivors could still be located from the torrent of mud and debris that struck on Tuesday, said Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown. On Friday, the sheriff's office made a plea for information on any of the missing residents, who range in age from 2 to 62. The destruction covered 30 square miles (78 square km), the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said.

Source: Otago Daily Times January 14, 2018 01:18 UTC