California can’t seem to catch a break. In the early hours of the morning on January 9, 2018, a storm brought treacherous rain to Santa Barbara. It triggered mudslides that have left at least twenty people dead as of Sunday. They had not been able to survive crushed buildings, flash floods, or debris flows. There are still people who are reported missing. Emergency responders are still looking for them. Santa Barbara County Fire Chief Eric Peterson says, “after every hour it becomes less likely we will find someone alive, but there is always hope.” Many people have been left heart broken. Hundreds of homes have been damaged and destroyed.

Highway 101, which carries about 100,00 vehicles through the Central Coast each day, was shut down for days.  Cleaning it up has proven to be more difficult than expected. It is covered in debris and about 20 large boulders. These areas of the highway will remain closed indefinitely. In order to reopen this seven mile stretch as quickly as possible, road crews are working 12-hour shifts.  

The aftermath of the wildfires had left the vegetation burned. It had been the largest wildfire ever recorded in California. Before being fully contained on Friday, it had burned 281,000 acres of land. The destruction of the soil, made it more susceptible to mudslides. Fires had already taken thousands of people away from their home.

The American Red Cross is providing food, shelter, and relief supplies. They urgently needed blood and platelet donors in Southern California. People can help even if they are far from California by donating to organization. Direct Relief is a california based relief organization that helps people affected by natural disasters. They send medicine and medical supplies.

On Sunday night, thousands of people attended a vigil in memory of the twenty people who were killed. They held candles as they mourned the loss. A moment of silence was held. The oldest victim was 89 years old. Four of them were children, the youngest being just  three years old. A few perished alongside their parents, children, siblings, or spouses. At least three, including a two year old girl are still missing. With battle after battle the people of California have faced, these victims will not be forgotten by their loved ones.