The Salvation Army in Washington State, USA, is assisting emergency responders and people affected by the large-scale mudslide in Snohomish County. At least 30 homes in the community of Oso, north of Seattle, were engulfed by a 50-metre wall of mud on Saturday, March 22. Twenty-four people are known to have been killed – eight bodies have been located but not yet recovered – but authorities warn that the number will rise as the search continues, with around 90 people still not accounted for. Heavy rain is making the operation particularly difficult and there are fears of further landslips.

Salvation Army teams have been deployed to provide immediate relief to those impacted by the mudslides. The Salvation Army sent a mobile canteen (feeding unit) to provide meals and water to the first responders at the disaster. Local Salvation Army leadership has already offered to help with any restoration efforts and will provide assistance to those who have lost homes and possessions.

"The Salvation Army has been working in Snohomish County for more than 125 years," says Major Doug Tollerud, divisional commander for The Salvation Army in Washington State. "We'll continue to serve this community as needed in the future – in good times and in times of disaster."