Helicopter Crew Rescues 4 Year Old Boy from Mudslide

[padruig]

2. this tragedy is still unfolding ...

The homes in the debris zone were in the shadow of a hill side with a known slide history and potential. Geologists and geo-morphologists are coming forward with the studies they prepared, some over a decade ago recommending that no one be allowed to build at the foot of the hill.

Now evidence has come forward that at least one study showed every time the hill was logged, that within a five to ten year period there would follow a slide event.

Washington State has a long history of slide events and a longer history of issuing permits to build.

I can only hope that the total loss of life will be mercifully small, but the list of the missing tells a different story.

Because this is so close to home it is a topic at work, I remind folks, have a plan, have a kit. Know your surroundings, know the risks, have an escape route planned in your head.