Oprah Is Ankle Deep in Mud as Flood Follows California Fires (Video)
Video posted on Winfrey’s Instagram shows extent of damage caused by mudslides in her literal backyard
Ross A. Lincoln | January 9, 2018 @ 11:01 PM
Last Updated: January 10, 2018 @ 6:05 AM
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Oprah Winfrey is among the residents of communities affected by mudslides centered near affluent Montecito, Calif. this week after rainstorms flooded areas already damaged last December by powerful wildfires. On Tuesday, the mogul honored Sunday at the Golden Globes, posted a video to her Instagram account showing some of the damage to her neighborhood.
Thirteen people have died, with at least 25 other people injured by the mudslides that began early Tuesday morning. In addition to deaths and property damage, the mudslides also ruptured a gas line and closed part of the 101 freeway.
In her videos, Oprah gave followers a glimpse of what that looked like on the ground. One video showed the fire that erupted from the broken gas line; another showed a helicopter flying overhead looking for survivors; another showed the damage on Oprah’s property, with mud at least ankle deep in her backyard.
A firefighter sprays water on the remains of a home destroyed by the Thomas Fire in a residential neighborhood on Dec. 5, 2017 in Ventura, CA.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Taken on Dec. 5, 2017, firefighters douse the remains of an apartment complex.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
The remains of an apartment destroyed by the Thomas Fire.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
A resident hoses down a burning structure in Sunland, CA during the Creek Fire on Dec. 5, 2017.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 5, 2017 in Sunland, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Strong Santa Ana winds are rapidly pushing multiple wildfires across Sunland and Ventura, expanding across tens of thousands of acres.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Strong wind blows embers from the smoldering ruins of a house at the Creek Fire on Dec. 5, 2017 in Sunland.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 5, 2017 in Sunland, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 5, 2017 in Sunland, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
People walk while viewing the Creek Fire burn on a hillside in the Shadow Hills neighborhood on Dec. 5, 2017 in Los Angeles.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
View of the Creek Fire from the Shadow Hills neighborhood.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Ranch hand Anthony Martin hoses down stalls where some of the 29 horses and numerous other animals had died in the Creek Fire at Rancho Padilla on Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Ranch hands Angel Flores and Anthony Martin (R) hose down smoldering property near stables at Rancho Padilla on Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
A dead horse killed in the Creek Fire.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 6, 2017 near Sylmar, CA.
Photo by David McNew/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 6, 2017 in Ojai, CA.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Taken along the 101 freeway on Dec. 7, 2017 north of Ventura, CA.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Taken along the 101 freeway on Dec. 7, 2017, north of Ventura, CA.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
Taken Dec. 6, 2017 in Ojai, CA.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
A desolate stretch of freeway in Los Angeles.
Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images
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Some of these photos are disturbing
Firefighters monitor the Thomas Fire along the 101 freeway north of Ventura. Taken on Dec. 7, 2017.