4 Dead and 18 Missing After Massive Mudslide in Washington

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A damaged house on Highway 530 in the wake of a major mudslide near Oso, Wash. on March 23, 2014.

Image: Lindsey Wasson/Associated Press

By Adario Strange2014-03-24 01:07:22 UTC

Local officials in Oso, Wash. are reporting that 18 people are still missing in the wake of a massive mudslide that occurred near the Stillaguamish River on Saturday.

The deadly mudslide reportedly killed four people and forced an evacuation of the area as rescue workers continue to search for the missing disaster victims.

See also: Massive Landslide Decimates a 300-Year-Old Barn in Italy

"Emergency response crews are confirming that [the fourth] body was found today during search operations at the SR 530 slide," read a message posted by local officials on the Snohomish County website.

Image: Flickr, Washington State Dept of Transportation

Aerial video footage of the area affected by the mudslide (see below), posted on YouTube by the Snohomish County Sheriff's department, reveals the full extent of the damage.

According to reports, the mudslide, which was sparked in part by recent heavy rainfall in the area, is the worst the state has ever seen and led to the blockage of one mile of state highway.

"Trudi and I join all Washingtonians in sending condolences to the families who lost loved ones in today's tragic mudslide," said Washington Governor Jay Inslee in a statement on Saturday.

"The state Emergency Operations Center is activated in support of the emergency response efforts led by local law enforcement," said Inslee. "The Washington State Patrol and the Washington Department of Transportation are assisting in emergency response and providing aerial surveys in support of search and rescue efforts and geological assessments."

Washington Governor Jay Inslee consoles local residents affected by the mudslide.

Image: Lindsey Wasson/Associated Press

In the latest update on the Snohomish County website, officials said, "Operations will continue both on the ground and in the air until dusk, at which time they will be suspended until daylight tomorrow."

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Topics: emergency, environment, U.S.