Photo by Kenneth Song/Santa Barbara News-Press via REUTERS
Tragically, as of this morning, 15 people have lost their lives to the devastating floods and mudslides that are affecting many areas throughout the Southland that were hardest hit by last year’s historic wildfires.
As the number of fatalities is expected to rise, one can only imagine the staggering number of animals that must have been or will be affected as well.
Santa Barbara and the communities of Montecito and Carpenteria, just outside the City, are among the areas most impacted by the storm yesterday.
Emergency workers and search dogs are currently on site looking for people who are still trapped or were killed by the rain-driven mudslides in the area, which lies between the ocean and the sprawling Los Padres National Forest, about 110 miles north of Los Angeles.
Mike Eliason/Santa Barbara County Fire Department/Handout via REUTERS
UPDATED WINTER STORM EVACUATIONS AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS
A call center is now open for information on evacuation areas, updates on the storm and to coordinate transport. The number is 805-681-5542. Text 805-699-0165 if you are in need of Information regrading the storm.
An evacuation center is open for residents who have been issued mandatory evacuation orders as a result of the Thomas, Whittier, Sherpa and Rey Fire Burn Areas.
The evacuation center is located at Santa Barbara City College, Campus Center Cafeteria, East Campus Kiosk (entry), Park in Lot 1B.
WAN confirmed this morning that small animals are allowed at the center but must stay with their owners as there is no separate area for them.
Small animals can also be taken to the Santa Barbara Humane Society at 5399 Overpass Road.
Large animals are still being evacuated to Earl Warren Showgrounds located at 3400 Calle Real in Santa Barbara. A representative of the County of Santa Barbara Health Department confirmed to WAN that its partner Equine Evac is currently on site assisting with the animals.
For assistance in evacuating large or small animals, call the County Animal Services hotline at (805) 681-4332.
WAN’s thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the storm.
WAN will continue to update this story.
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