4 hikers saved from flooding in California storm

Sunday, March 2, 2014

photo In this photo provided by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Malibu Search and Rescue Team members assist four stranded hikers who were trapped overnight March 1, 2014 in a remote area of Malibu Creek State Park, Calif.

MALIBU, Calif. - Four hikers were rescued overnight after they became trapped by rising floodwaters in Malibu Creek State Park, sheriff's officials said Sunday.

The hikers were rescued around 3 a.m. and flown out by helicopter after a risky rescue, Los Angeles County sheriff's Capt. Mike Parker said.

The hikers were cold and exhausted but not hurt.

They had become trapped between a high wall and rising floodwaters at Malibu Creek in a remote area of the park.

One of the hikers called for help around 6:30 p.m. as it was getting dark and their cellphones were dying, the sheriff's department said.

A storm that has pounded California through the weekend is easing. But the risk of mudslides remains, and local creeks and drainage channels are swollen with water.