Maggie Valley Mudslide

 

New details are emerging about a massive mudslide that buried a Maggie Valley neighborhood.

Authorities held a news conference this morning.  Geologist say the wall of mud barreled down the mountain at nearly 30 miles an hour, it slid half a mile, and was 175 feet wide at some points.

Friday's slide forced 44 people from their homes in the Rich Cove Rd. area.  FEMA will arrive at the scene Wednesday to assess the damage and being assisting the victims.  The Red Cross is already providing some assistance.

The cause of the mudslide is still under investigation.  But several retaining walls at Ghost Town in the Sky failed, triggering the slide.

There are concerns of another major slide in that area, especially with more wintry weather forecast in the coming days.