Crews continue to help Whidbey Island homeowners get access to their homes after landslide

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash. — There is progress being made for Whidbey Island residents whose homes were hit by a massive landslide.

It has been two days since the slide, which left more than a dozen homes on the edge of disaster.

Crews are still helping residents get access to their homes by finishing a trail that is almost complete and could open up a path for people on foot and ATVs.

KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reporter David Ham spoke with homeowner Ralph Young who lives above the houses that are closest to the 11,000-foot cliff.

“You look back up at these homes that are teetering and it’s sheer terror,” Young said.

Island County investigators allowed all but people in five houses to move back because the soil is stable enough.

Western Washington University geologists think more ground could go, but they're not sure when.

“It could destabilize and have almost no significant retrograde motion in movement. But also, another big hunk might break loose,” said geologist Douglas Clark.

Not only are homeowners worried about secure soil, but they’re concerned about personal security.

“So now we took all the valuables out,” said a homeowner.

Island County deputies are limiting access to the area to keep out looters or sightseers, but homeowners are still unsure about what could happen.

“We’re set way back. The bluff is unchanged,” said Young. "We don’t have any desire to live anywhere else. This is a good place to live and a good place to die."

Public works is hoping to open the temporary trail during the weekend.

As for concerns of looters, deputies said they are patrolling the area 24/7.

KIRO