OSO LANDSLIDE: On Saturday, March 22, 2014 at 10:37am local time, a major mudslide occurred four miles east of Oso, Washington. A portion of an unstable hillside known as the “Hazel Landslide” collapsed , sending mud and debris across the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River and onto the adjacent river valley, covering approximately one square mile. As of April 1, 2014, the Snohomish County Medical Examiners office has confirmed that 29 people have died, 22 of which have been identified, and 20 people remain missing or unaccounted for as a result of the mudslide. The Oso Landslide is considered the deadliest single mudslide event not caused by volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, or dam collapses, in United States history.
WHAT YOU CAN DO: The best way to help those affected by the Oso Landslide is through a financial donation to The Cascade Valley Hospital Foundation, you can donate online or by phone at 360-435-2133, ext. 7805. You can also drop off or mail donations to 300 S. Stillaguamish Ave. in Arlington. The Coastal Community Bank is also accepting donations for victims via the Darrington Recreation & Education Fund and American REd Cross at all locations: Darrington, Camano Island, Everett, Monroe, Stanwood, Sultan, Silver Lake, Smokey Point, Snohomish, and Whidbey Island.