Hope for Survivors of Landslide Dims as Death Toll Rises as High As 24

"DARRINGTON, Wash. -- Brenda Neal was still at the firehouse at midnight, watching as rescuers caked with mud returned from the search for survivors of a massive landslide in rural Washington state.

But they had no answers for her about her missing husband, Steven.

There was despair on their faces, she said.
Rescuer: Houses exploded from the mud

Rescuers on Tuesday continued to battle debris and mud -- with the consistency of quicksand in some places -- in the search for survivors, but hopes dimmed as news broke that more bodies were found."

Ed Payne, Ana Cabrera, and Mariano Castillo report for CNN March 25, 2014.

SEE ALSO:

"14 Dead, 176 Missing in Washington Landslide" (USA TODAY)