Deadly Washington mudslide no surprise to residents
Authorities in Washington State are saying that the mudslide that buried more than 30 homes near the town of Oso, was unforeseeable. Yet, as far back as 1999, a report warned there was potential for a 'catastrophic slide', and that no houses should be built in the area. Marla Skaglund, who has lived there since the 1950s, agrees. She says the slide should have surprised no one.
The river changes all the time. There's slides all the time. Marla Skaglund
Ms. Skaglund says she and her neighbours know that there are often slides, and that they believe that clear-cutting on the mountain slopes has exacerbated the problem.
Close to 200 people are still unaccounted for. Ms. Skaglund is concerned about four neighbours whose homes were destroyed, and who have not yet been found.
Marla Skaglund lives about 15 metres from where the mudslide happened. Her home was spared.
