New details are emerging about a massive mudslide that buried a Maggie Valley neighborhood.

Authorities held a news conference Monday morning, and say FEMA will be on the ground by Wednesday morning

Geologists also tell us the wall of mud barreled down the mountain at nearly 30 miles an hour.

It slid half a mile before stopping at Landing Drive, and was 175 feet wide at some points.

They're still concerned about the possibility of a second slide on Rich Cove Road, and say there are 16,000 tons of unstable material on the mountain.

Rick Wooten is with the N.C. Geological Survey. He says two inches of rain or more in the coming days will put the area at a "critical point" in regards to the potential for additional slides.

Friday`s slide forced 44 people from their homes in the Rich Cove Rd. area. The Red Cross is already providing some assistance to those displaced.

To support their efforts or make donations, you can contact the Haywood County Chapter of the Red Cross at (828) 456-8141.

Residents fear it could be months before it's safe to move back in.

By Heather Graf









The cause of the mudslide is still under investigation. But several retaining walls at Ghost Town in the Sky failed, triggering the slide.











There are concerns of another major slide in that area, especially with more wintry weather forecast in the coming days.



Mudslide Victims Assess Damage

Posted: Monday, February 8 2010, 07:40 PM EST