The death toll is ticking upwards as search and rescue crews find more victims of mudslides in Southern California. Speaking in Montecito up the coast from Los Angeles, Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown says two more bodies were found today. That raises the death toll up to 17.
He said efforts are underway to identify the bodies. He added that hundreds of rescues have taken place, but there are still more than a dozen people who are reported missing. Brown urged people in the area affected by mudslides to evacuate for their own safety.
A doctor at Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital says 20 patients were received there. Twelve of them are still receiving treatment, with four in critical condition.
The main freeway between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara County will be closed until at least Monday. A police spokeswoman remarked that she recognizes the closure of the 101 is a hardship, but it's necessary under the circumstances.