California mudslides: Rescuers say dozens still missing in rubble

Hundreds of rescuers are desperately combing wreckage in Southern California for nearly two dozen people still missing after deadly mudslides.

More than 100 homes were destroyed, and another 500 have been damaged following the deluge that overwhelmed an area scorched by wildfires last month.

At least 15 people have died and 28 injuries have been reported.

On Tuesday, a rescue worker tearfully described pulling a toddler from under several feet of debris.

Berkeley Johnson said the two-year-old girl, whom he described as a "muddy doll", was taken to hospital and suffered an injury to her hip.

He said of his own home in the community of Montecito: "This was an hour of rain, and the house was gone."

Mr Johnson said he and his wife, Karen, heard a baby crying after the flooding had subsided and they managed to climb down from the roof of their swamped home.

The pair joined a fireman to dig the toddler out, scooping mud from her mouth before she was taken to hospital.

"Had we not gone over there, I don't think that kid would have [survived]," he added.

More than 50 people have been rescued already but many places are still inaccessible. Several roads are closed, including the major Highway 101 which authorities say will not be reopened until Monday.