Mudslide rips through Southern California, killing at least 5 people

A powerful mudslide tore through Southern California on Tuesday, shutting down highways and leaving at least five people dead in its wake, according to law enforcement officials.

Multiple fatalities occurred in the Montecito area, known for its A-list residents like Oprah Winfrey and Ellen DeGeneres.

The region, which was recently scorched by wildfires, received over five inches of rain on Tuesday, causing the over-saturated hillsides to send massive runoff rushing onto Highway 101 below.

The Associated Press confirmed that 5 people were killed in wake of the natural disaster.

Multiple homes were reportedly ripped from their foundations by the powerful mudslide, while other homes in the area burned down due to a gas line explosion related to the storm, CBSLA reports

Photos of the damage:

A woman named Susan, who is a 40-year-resident of the area and witnessed the destruction, told the outlet that the mudslide was so loud it sounded "like a freight train."

"It was rattling my doors, it was so loud," she said. "You could hear the boulders coming down and cracking against each other. It was impressive."

Multiple homes in the area reportedly remain without power, while residents are still trapped in their houses and vehicles waiting for rescuers to bring them to safety.