A five-part podcast series provides never-before-heard details about the landslide that killed 43 people.
OSO, Wash. — Ten years ago, the deadliest mudslide in U.S. history struck the small town of Oso, Washington.
On March 22, 2014, a hillside collapsed above the Steelhead Haven area, destroying State Route 530, homes, and cars, and killing 43 people.
KING 5 is releasing a five-part podcast series, “Oso,” in the week leading up to the 10th anniversary of the landslide. We show what happened during this devastating disaster, walk alongside those who spent weeks searching for victims, and learn about the impact the Oso landslide still has on survivors today. Learn more.
Listen to the trailer now and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. You can also listen to the latest episodes on KING 5+, KING 5's free streaming app available on Roku, Amazon Fire, and Apple TV.
slide
It was a beautiful Saturday morning in the close-knit community of Oso, Washington, where a hillside collapsed.
The region had a record start to the year, with twice the average rainfall in February and March. But on March 22, 2014, there was a hint of spring in the air.
At 10:37 a.m., a landslide changed the community forever.
response
The first time a helicopter team responded to a landslide, it took my breath away. All they saw was mud, wood and debris where 20 homes had previously stood.
On the ground, first responders recalled rescuing Robin Youngblood and her friend Jetty Dooper, who were clinging to the removed roof of Youngblood's mobile home, which had been swept away by a tidal wave of mud. .
Searching
Days after the landslide, the death toll was rising and the situation was becoming more serious. First responders said they were searching for as many as 200 missing people at one point.
Local officials and emergency managers recalled what it was like to navigate the response and how communities came together.
aftermath
What caused the landslide? University of Washington topography professor David Montgomery, who was part of the post-incident report team, explained the science behind the incident.
A local firefighter whose wife died in a slip and fall also spoke out, saying more could have been done to prevent the tragedy.
“Slow and strong”
Ten years after the Oso landslide, the community is preparing to unveil a new memorial to honor the 43 lives lost. Community members share how it came together and what it represents for generations to come.
