Horses impacted by a mudslide that obliterated parts of Snohomish County in rural Washington state are being cared for by area volunteers.

On March 22, a hillside collapsed near the community of Oso, resulting in a mudslide that divided the town and covered part of Washington State Route 530. The mudslide's human death toll is approximately 30 people, according to estimates released by Snohomish County law enforcement and fire authorities. 

Along with the human casualties, 30 horses displaced by the mudslide are receiving care from volunteers, said Margie Bates of the Darrington Horse Owners Association (DHOA). When the mudslide and subsequent Stillaguamish River flooding occurred, the DHOA opened its rodeo grounds to horses and other domestic animals displaced by the mud and water. Bates said nine horses are currently residing at the rodeo grounds.

“Those are horses whose families are here, but who have been dislocated by mud and floor waters from the Stillaguamish River,” she said