Washington’s two U.S. senators took to the Senate floor Thursday to reflect on what’s transpired in year since the nation’s deadliest mudslide struck Oso.
Sens. Patty Murray and Maria Cantwell spoke of the 43 lives lost on March 22, 2014, the heroism demonstrated by residents and first responders in rescuing survivors, and the path to rebuilding on which the Stillaguamish Valley communities are traveling.
“These communities have shown that even in the most unimaginable devastation, people can come together in unity and persevere. They showed how light and hope can shine through, even in grief,” Cantwell said. “It is really hard to believe a year has gone by.”
Murray said everyone pitched in to help because every person had been affected. It is that spirit that is fueling their recovery, she said.
“There is one word that comes to mind when trying to explain what the people of Oso and Darrington are, at their core: resilient,” Murray said. “Their resiliency in the face of such unthinkable devastation is an inspiration to us all — we will always remember what it means to be Oso strong.”
The senators, both Democrats, spoke shortly before 1 p.m. Thursday.
Each shared their recollections from visiting the site and meeting with firefighters, residents and volunteers.
Murray told the story of Rhonda Cook, who went looking for her mising friend Summer Raffo, and continued digging in the debris to help find other victims, long after her friend’s body was found.
Cantwell recognized the efforts of Oso Fire Chief Willy Harper and Travis Hots, the Getchell fire chief who was the public face for the emergency response in the first days after the slide.
Each noted the value of federal aid for such emergency needs as housing and rebuilding Highway 530. And there was mention of passage of bill preserving Green Mountain Lookout, a popular destination for the community.
The region still needs the nation’s support, they said.
“Our work is far from done,” Murray said. “A disaster of this magnitude requires long-term assistance to help these communities respond, rebuild, and cope.”
Cantwell said this summer a plan will be released to help the valley economy “flourish in the future.”
“We have to remember the individuals we lost and how we have to move ahead,” she said. “It’s not going to be easy; it’s not going to be quick. But we will continue to build off of the strength that this community demonstrated in the aftermath of this disaster.”
Jerry Cornfield: 360-352-8623; jcornfield@heraldnet.com.
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