A massive mudslide occurred on Saturday in Snohomish County, about 30 miles north northeast of Seattle, east of Arlington in the town of Oso. It has killed 8 people and at least 12 are still missing. 30 homes were destroyed and a mile long stretch of HIghway 530 is buried under approximately 20 feet of mud and debris. Rescuers initially heard voices of survivors, but have not heard any voices since Saturday night. My heart goes out to the families of the victims. We will have more details as they become available. [Source: See the full story along with photos and video at The Seattle Times. Image: DAVE NORMAN / WASHINGTON DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCES via Seattle Times]
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Colombia Landslide: Dozens Killed When Mudslide Buries Mountain Highway And Homes
More Movement on La Jolla Landslide
For those of you following the landslide in residential La Jolla California known as the Soledad Mountain Road landslide, it made the news again a couple days ago when a section of the slide re-activated and slid 10-ft down the hill. Doesn’t sound like too big of a deal to me, no additional houses damaged. I’m curious how it related to the shear pins they installed a couple of months ago.
Additionally, the San Diego City Attorney has released a report detailing the sequence of events leading up to the landslide. One interesting note is that the Mayor of San Diego is in hot water with the City Attorney’s office for hiring outside legal council to handle the legal aspects of the landslide. According to the City Attorney’s office, he wasn’t allowed to do that, but so far the City Attorney hasn’t stepped in to force the outside attorney(s) to drop the case saying it would open the City up to even more liability.
Landslide Causes Train to Derail into Mississippi River
Four engines pulling a freight train derailed July 9 and landed in the Mississippi River after hitting a landslide or major rockfall. The accident happened near Guttenburg in northeastern Iowa. Two workers on the train were injured, one was rescued by boat. The engines are now leaking diesel fuel and transmission oil into the river, but crews are on scene to attempt to contain the contamination which has apparently spread 5 miles downstream. Two ethanol tankers derailed as well but do not appear to be leaking. Several rail cars carrying grain have spilled also. There are 75 cars still on the track. Via Reuters and The Gazette (Cedar Rapids, IA). (Photo credit: Orlan Love/The Gazette)