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Dear Friends and Neighbors,
Devastation and tragedy have found and impacted our local communities of Oso, Darrington and Arlington. The recent Oso mudslide is a reminder of how we are sometimes powerless to the unpredictable forces of nature.
I spent most of yesterday in these communities – meeting with citizens and officials, and listening to their stories. Words cannot describe what I witnessed and heard. This photo gallery only begins to tell the story.
In all of my meetings and discussions with federal, state and local officials, I believe all assets are being deployed and considered for rescue and recovery efforts. We know that people are missing and we are doing everything we can to find them. If you think a loved one might be missing as a result of this event, please call this phone number: (425) 388-5088.
By now, you probably know there is an emergency closure in both directions of State Route 530 between Oso Loop Road and Little French Creek. The situation is still precarious for WSDOT and it could be a while before maintenance crews can begin cleanup efforts. You can find updates on the transportation-related aspects of the response here.
If you want to stay updated on this issue, this website may be your best resource. If you use Twitter, #530slide is the hashtag people are using. Snohomish County also has a Facebook page it is using as a conduit of information.
We all know these types of situations bring out the best in our communities. What I have experienced so far only confirms this belief. We are on the very front end of this tragedy and it is going to take a long time to sort out the facts and begin healing. Please keep the victims and families of the Oso, Darrington and Arlington communities in your thoughts and prayers.
In your service,
Dan Kristiansen
