Alaska city issues evacuation orders after landslide leaves 1 dead and 3 injured. Officials worry another slide could strike
A landslide in southern Alaska on Sunday left one person dead and several others injured, and some residents have been ordered to evacuate as officials warn another slide could strike nearby.
Landslide Devastates Southern Alaska, Killing One and Injuring Three
A catastrophic landslide in the coastal city of Ketchikan, Alaska, on Sunday has left a trail of destruction, claiming the life of one person and injuring three others. The deadly slide, triggered by incessant rainfall, has forced residents to evacuate as authorities warn of a potential secondary slide.
Homes, Businesses, and Roadways Severely Damaged
The landslide, which occurred around 4 p.m. Sunday, tore down a hillside, obliterating homes, businesses, and roadways. The impact of the slide sent a surge of shattered trees, uprooted power poles, and debris into a series of hillside dwellings.
Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer expressed his heartbreak over the tragedy, stating that it was the worst landslide he had witnessed in his 65 years in the city. The loss of life and the destruction of homes have devastated the community.
Three Injured, Residents Evacuated
In addition to the fatality, three individuals were transported to a hospital with injuries. Two of the victims remain hospitalized in stable condition, while one was treated and released. All residents have been accounted for, according to city officials.
However, concerns about a secondary slide have prompted the evacuation of residents in the vicinity of the initial landslide. Geologists from the state and local governments are assessing the area to determine the risk of further slides.
Heavy Rainfall Attributed to Landslide
The National Weather Service in Juneau has attributed the landslide to heavy rainfall. The Ketchikan Range received between 5 and 9 inches of rain over a 30-hour period, far exceeding the city's average rainfall for the entire month of August. The downpours have subsided, but light to moderate showers may continue to affect the region.
State Disaster Emergency Declaration Issued
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a disaster emergency for Ketchikan, directing all state agencies to provide necessary assistance. The governor extended his condolences to the affected residents and expressed his gratitude to first responders and volunteers.
Emergency Services Mobilized
Emergency shelter has been established at a local high school, and response crews remain on standby in anticipation of another potential slide. City officials are working diligently to recover from the event and provide support to those in need.
Ketchikan: A Region Vulnerable to Climate Change
Alaska has become a frontline for climate change, experiencing rapid warming at a rate double that of the rest of the planet. The state is particularly susceptible to floods and landslides due to melting glaciers, permafrost, and shrinking sea ice.
Ketchikan, with a population of approximately 14,000, is situated along the southern portion of Alaska's Inside Passage, a renowned destination for its breathtaking scenery. The city is also known as the "salmon capital of the world."
Ongoing Road Closures and Utility Disruptions
Traffic delays and road closures are expected in the vicinity of the landslide evacuation area. Power, phone, and internet outages have also occurred, with at least six power poles still in need of repair. Utility crews are working to restore services as swiftly as possible.
The community of Ketchikan continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating landslide. The search for victims remains complete, but the threat of a secondary slide remains, underscoring the ongoing challenges and vulnerabilities posed by climate change in the region.
A catastrophic landslide in the coastal city of Ketchikan, Alaska, on Sunday has left a trail of destruction, claiming the life of one person and injuring three others. The deadly slide, triggered by incessant rainfall, has forced residents to evacuate as authorities warn of a potential secondary slide.
Homes, Businesses, and Roadways Severely Damaged
The landslide, which occurred around 4 p.m. Sunday, tore down a hillside, obliterating homes, businesses, and roadways. The impact of the slide sent a surge of shattered trees, uprooted power poles, and debris into a series of hillside dwellings.
Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer expressed his heartbreak over the tragedy, stating that it was the worst landslide he had witnessed in his 65 years in the city. The loss of life and the destruction of homes have devastated the community.
Three Injured, Residents Evacuated
In addition to the fatality, three individuals were transported to a hospital with injuries. Two of the victims remain hospitalized in stable condition, while one was treated and released. All residents have been accounted for, according to city officials.
However, concerns about a secondary slide have prompted the evacuation of residents in the vicinity of the initial landslide. Geologists from the state and local governments are assessing the area to determine the risk of further slides.
Heavy Rainfall Attributed to Landslide
The National Weather Service in Juneau has attributed the landslide to heavy rainfall. The Ketchikan Range received between 5 and 9 inches of rain over a 30-hour period, far exceeding the city's average rainfall for the entire month of August. The downpours have subsided, but light to moderate showers may continue to affect the region.
State Disaster Emergency Declaration Issued
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a disaster emergency for Ketchikan, directing all state agencies to provide necessary assistance. The governor extended his condolences to the affected residents and expressed his gratitude to first responders and volunteers.
Emergency Services Mobilized
Emergency shelter has been established at a local high school, and response crews remain on standby in anticipation of another potential slide. City officials are working diligently to recover from the event and provide support to those in need.
Ketchikan: A Region Vulnerable to Climate Change
Alaska has become a frontline for climate change, experiencing rapid warming at a rate double that of the rest of the planet. The state is particularly susceptible to floods and landslides due to melting glaciers, permafrost, and shrinking sea ice.
Ketchikan, with a population of approximately 14,000, is situated along the southern portion of Alaska's Inside Passage, a renowned destination for its breathtaking scenery. The city is also known as the "salmon capital of the world."
Ongoing Road Closures and Utility Disruptions
Traffic delays and road closures are expected in the vicinity of the landslide evacuation area. Power, phone, and internet outages have also occurred, with at least six power poles still in need of repair. Utility crews are working to restore services as swiftly as possible.
The community of Ketchikan continues to grapple with the aftermath of the devastating landslide. The search for victims remains complete, but the threat of a secondary slide remains, underscoring the ongoing challenges and vulnerabilities posed by climate change in the region.