Huge California Mudslide Damages 50 Homes, Hundreds Evacuated

July 14, 2008 7:41 a.m. EST

Independence, CA (AHN) - More than 50 homes were destroyed in Independence, California on the eastern side of Sierra Nevada mountain range when a huge mudslide hit the area Sunday.

The mudslide forced authorities to evacuate hundreds of people living in the damaged homes.

California Fire spokeswoman Janet Upton says the mudslide was triggered by a severe thunderstorms Saturday.

Authorities say the mudslide was 83-feet wide and up to 3-inches deep and crossed across California Highway 395.

Dozens of people were trapped inside their homes as several roads were closed for hours. The Los Angeles Aqueduct was also affected by the mudslide authorities say.