How a Mudslide Becomes a Deadly Tsunami of Rocks and Sludge

The mudslides earlier this week that killed 17 people—eight more remain missing—came as a terrifying surprise in the early morning to the enclaves of Montecito and Summerland, nestled into the California coastline just southeast of Santa Barbara. But in most respects, they were also entirely predictable—and predicted. The Thomas Fire, the largest wildfire in California …

Continue reading “How a Mudslide Becomes a Deadly Tsunami of Rocks and Sludge”