US mudslide kills 3, searchers seek survivors

After hearing voices pleading for help, rescuers searched overnight for survivors from a massive mudslide in Washington state that killed at least three people and forced evacuations because of fears of severe flooding. The slide of mud, trees and rocks happened about 11 a.m. Saturday. Several people - including an infant - were critically injured and at least six houses were destroyed, AP reported.Snohomish County Fire District 21 Chief Travis Hots said at a news briefing late Saturday that searchers weren't giving up on finding more people alive. It wasn't clear how many people might still be trapped - or if more bodies might be discovered.Shari Ireton, spokesperson for the Snohomish County Sheriff's office, said rescuers were using thermal imaging cameras to help try to find people. The slide blocked the North Fork of the Stillaguamish River, which prompted an evacuation notice because water was rising rapidly behind the debris. Authorities worried about severe downstream flooding if water suddenly broke through the blockage.The landslide also completely covered State Route 530 near the town of Oso, about 55 miles (90 kilometers) north of Seattle. It was at least 135 feet (41 meters) wide and 180 feet (55 meters) deep, Snohomish County authorities said.