It’s been one day since a deadly mudslide in Washington State wiped out parts of a neighborhood. As search teams continue working, 18 people remain missing, 4 are dead and the risk of flooding increases.
Despite hearing calls for help amongst the rubble Saturday night, rescue crews were unable to find any more people possibly trapped in the mudslide. (Via KIRO)
Los Angeles Times reports crews tried desperately to reach them but even with the help of helicopters and hovercrafts the conditions were too treacherous.
"Our number one priority is responder safety. … We suspect that there are people out there but it is far too dangerous to get responders out there on that mudflow." (Via NBC)
Snohomish County officials describe the mudslide as a unstable quicksand mixture. When the slide hit at about 11 am Saturday, it struck quickly and damaged more than 20 homes. (Via KING)
It also blocked part of the Stillaguamish river. The Seattle Times reports some residents were told to leave their houses "because of the danger that the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River could burst through the blockage created by the slide."
Officials believe heavy rain in the area could have triggered the mudslide.
