18 rescued from Ventura River after getting stranded on island due to flash flooding

More than a dozen people rescued from Ventura River

Eighteen people had to be rescued from the Ventura River near the 101 Freeway as rains and floodwaters trapped people on an island in the river.

VENTURA, Calif. - Eighteen people were rescued after being trapped on an island in the Ventura River Monday afternoon as heavy rains continue to pound California.

The Ventura County Fire Department reported that it was sending swift water rescue crews to the area of Main and Peking streets just before 2:30 p.m. Initial reports suggested that 6-12 people were trapped on an island in the river.

Several minutes later, the department tweeted that seven people had been rescued from the river, with video showing people climbing up a bridge that had been let down into the water.

ADDITIONAL COVERAGE: California storm: Evacuations ordered in Santa Barbara County as Atmospheric River slams SoCal

Flooding closes 101 Freeway in Ventura

Flooding from the Ventura River closed sections of the 101 Freeway Monday after heavy rains.

Another seven people were rescued several minutes later thanks to an aerial team. According to VCFD, the department's Chopper 4 was able to get that group off the island and back to safety. Four others walked out, according to officials

VCFD said crews were still on the scene evaluating the area, and that just one of the people rescued required medical attention for minor injuries.

No other details about why these people were in the river were immediately available.