Actor Jeff Bridges has revealed that his home in Southern California was severely damaged in mudslides.
“Our home has been severely damaged, but we are safe, and so thankful for that and for the first responders who are working tirelessly to save people,” “The Big Lebowski” star tweeted.
He added: “We are heartbroken over the loss of lives in our community. Your prayers and best wishes are most appreciated.”
As TMZ reported, Oprah Winfrey is next next-door neighbor.
In all, the mudslides have killed at least 17 people, while eight are still missing. They’re ravaging Montecito, a wealthy area of northwest Los Angeles home to a number of A-list celebrities.
A number of celebrities have tweeted about it.
“Right now, our assets are focused on determining if anyone is still alive in any of those structures that have been damaged,” Santa Barbara County Sheriff Bill Brown told Los Angeles television station KCAL.
Some 500 rescuers using search dogs, military helicopters, and thermal imaging equipment are at the scene, Reuters reported.
Search and rescue efforts have been slow as crews have to navigate through waist-deep mud, fallen trees, boulders, and other debris.
“Another tough day in Santa Barbara County as Search and Rescue, Fire and Law Enforcement personnel from across our county and our neighboring counties searched for survivors and evacuated people,” the sheriff’s office said on its Twitter feed late Wednesday night.
The devastating mudslides, which were triggered by heavy rains early on Tuesday, roared into valleys denuded by historic wildfires that struck the area last month.
The debris flow from the mudslides has destroyed 100 homes, damaged hundreds of other structures and injured 28 people, said Amber Anderson, a spokeswoman for the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.
