3 Apr 2014

Mudslide toll now 29

8:52 am on 3 April 2014

The death toll from a mudslide in Washington state has risen to 29 people, with 20 others still missing.

The mudslide at Oso.

The mudslide at Oso. Photo: AFP / SKYBOX IMAGING

Only 22 of the bodies have been identified, said the Snohomish County Medical Examiner's Office.

The town of Oso, 95km north of Seattle, was struck by a 54m wall of mud and debris on 22 March.

The area is covered by mud 80ft deep in some places.

The landslide destroyed about 30 houses, temporarily damming a river and covering a highway.

The BBC reports heavy rain has hampered the search. Mild weather on Tuesday allowed crews to spend less time controlling the water and more time searching.