US landslide death toll doubles

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Searchers in the United States found five more bodies on Sunday in the sludge of a massive landslide in the northwestern state of Washington, bringing the death toll to at least eight.

The victims were killed by a wall of mud and debris that swept through a small riverside neighborhood on Saturday morning.

Four more bodies were discovered late on Sunday, said Snohomish County sheriff's Lieutenant Rob Palmer. Earlier in the day, authorities said one body had been found on the debris field. Three people were already confirmed dead on Saturday.

More people remained missing, and authorities said the number was "fluid." Earlier on Sunday, they said it was at least 18, but that count came before additional bodies were discovered.

Several people were also critically injured and about 30 homes destroyed in the mudslide about 88 kilometers north of Seattle.

Rescue crews were able to get out to the muddy, tree-strewn area after geologists flew over in a helicopter and determined it was safe enough for emergency responders and technical rescue personnel to search for possible survivors, Snohomish County Fire District 21 Chief Travis Hots said on Sunday evening.

Searchers continued looking into the night on Sunday.

Rescuers' hopes of finding more survivors had been buoyed late on Saturday when they heard people yelling for help from within the debris field, but they were unable to reach anyone. The mud was so thick and deep that searchers had to turn back.

The slide wiped through what neighbors described as a former fishing village of small homes -some nearly 100 years old.

Officials described the mudslide as "a big wall of mud and debris" that stood about 18 meters deep in some places.

Authorities believe the slide was caused by ground made unstable by recent heavy rainfall.

About the broadcaster:

Anne Ruisi is an editor at China Daily online with more than 30 years of experience as a newspaper editor and reporter. She has worked at newspapers in the U.S., including The Birmingham News in Alabama and City Newspaper of Rochester, N.Y.