The death toll from devastating mudslides in affluent communities along a stretch of Southern California coastline rose to 17 after two more bodies were recovered, the local sheriff said, and the number of people missing also climbed to 17. <br/><br/>Hundreds of rescuers are desperately combing wreckage in Southern California for people still missing after deadly mudslides. <br/><br/>More than 100 homes were destroyed, and another 500 have been damaged following the deluge that overwhelmed an area scorched by wildfires last month. <br/><br/>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.