US landslide death toll rises to at least 14

The death toll from a devastating landslide in the northwestern US state of Washington rose to 14 after six more bodies were found, the local sheriff said.
More than 100 people remain potentially missing or unaccounted for after the disaster Saturday, described as "like a small earthquake," said Snohomish County Sheriff Ty Trenary.
"Search and rescue crews have located an additional six bodies, bringing the total number of deceased to 14," he said yesterday in an online update in the disaster which struck Saturday.
"The number unaccounted for has not changed, as the identity of the victims still needs to be verified," he added.

The death toll had remained at eight since Sunday, while officials said earlier they had a list of 108 names of people missing or unaccounted for.
The wall of mud, rocks and trees smashed into the rural town of Oso, northeast of Seattle in the northwestern US state, destroying houses and part of a highway.

Some 100 emergency workers were searching for survivors in the field of mud and rubble about 2.4 kilometers across and some four to six meters (13-20 feet) deep in areas.
"The situation is very grim," said Snohomish County fire district chief Travis Hots. "We're holding out hope that we'll find people that are still alive, but we haven't found anyone alive since Saturday."

Emergency management chief John Pennington said earlier that officials had drawn up a list of 108 names reported missing or unaccounted, although they are not necessarily actually missing.
A total of 49 dwellings of various types in the area were hit by the devastating landslide, he said, adding that there were likely to have been more people at home on a Saturday than during the week.
Mini hovercraft were used to skate across the vast mudslide's surface, while tracker dogs and helicopters were also being used.
Rescuers reported hearing voices calling for help on Saturday, but Hots said they "didn't see or hear any signs of life" on Sunday.

Among the missing was a four-month-old baby and her grandmother, local media reported.