Evacuation Order Lifted for Many Homes Near Marylhurst Area Landslide in Lake Oswego (PHOTO UPDATE)

At this time, the Fire Marshal's evacuation order has been lifted for all properties except two.

Photos courtesy: Gert Zoutendijk/City of Lake Oswego

(LAKE OSWEGO, Ore.) - City of Lake Oswego Fire personnel responded to a large landslide just after 1:00 AM this morning, which originated from slopes above Green Bluff Drive in the Marylhurst area.

Stephan Lashbrook, the city's Community Development Director, says a total of 20 homes along Woodhurst Place and Brookhurst Drive, and one home on Green Bluff Drive, were evacuated as a result of the landslide.

"28 people were evacuated and 5 transported to hospitals. The City's Adult Community Center was opened to accommodate those families in need of shelter," Lashbrook said.

Gert Zoutendijk, Deputy Fire Marshal with Lake Oswego Fire, says a house at 17661 Woodhurst Place in Lake Oswego was severely damaged in the 1:00 AM mudslide.

"Initial reports from 9-1-1 dispatch were that 6 people were trapped inside the house. Soon after that a second call confirmed that all people were out of the house."

He said 5 people were transported to Emmanuel Hospital and later was found out the the worst injury was a severe broken arm.

"It is just incredible that all people made it out alive." Zoutendijk says the people were reportedly still up at the time and they were all standing in the kitchen area towards the back of the house.

"Looking inside the house, there is not more kitchen left, just a huge open space with mud every where," Zoutendijk added.

The City of Lake Oswego's Emergency Operations Center was partially activated at 3:00 AM over the flooding. By 7:30 AM the EOC was deactivated, however, it remains on standby and Lashbrook says it will reopen if necessary.

Throughout the day, geotechnical professionals conducted an investigation and evaluated apparent causes of the slide to determine if further movement is likely at the site or if the slide can be stabilized.

Residents were initially allowed to return to their homes for a maximum of 20 minutes to retrieve personal necessities, such as medicine.

City Building Inspectors visited all homes along Woodhurst and the nearby homes along Brookhurst to look for any signs of wall movement for retaining walls or the homes themselves.

City officials said this afternoon that based on the evaluation performed for the City by geotechnical consultants Shannon and Wilson Inc., the Fire Marshal's evacuation order has been lifted for all properties, except 17661 and 17649 Woodhurst, in the area evacuated as a result of this morning's landslide.

The evaluation indicates that it is appropriate for the City to lift the evacuation order at this time.

Lashbrook say it is important to understand that the City cannot give assurances as to slope conditions relating to individual properties or as to the structural integrity of individual homes.

"Owners and residents desiring information and assurances as to the condition of their properties and structures are encouraged to engage their own consultants."

Woodhurst Place has re-opened to residents only.

Green Bluff Drive remains closed, at this time, but is expected to re-open on Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.

Please check the City's website, ci.oswego.or.us, for updates.