AT least thirteen people have died and many others injured, following mudslides in Southern California.

Heavy rain and flooding triggered the mudslides in an area that was only recently affected by wildfires.

Police said it “looked like a World War One battlefield”, with the mud believed to be waist-deep in places.

The damage

Lots of homes have been hit and roads blocked off.

Emergency services are now working hard to rescue those trapped or missing.

Montecito, where lots of celebrities live, is among the worst hit areas.

What are mudslides?

A mudslide is when a large amount of mud and earth falls down a hill or slope. It usually occurs when a large amount of water, such as heavy rainfall, disrupts the ground.

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