Landslide in Alaskan city causes mandatory evacuations, leaves one person dead – Washington Examiner
A landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, occurred on Sunday at around 4 p.m., resulting in one fatality and three injuries. The incident destroyed multiple homes and prompted city officials to enforce mandatory evacuations in the affected area. Local shelters, including a community center and Ketchikan High School, were set up for evacuees. The area had experienced heavy rainfall over the weekend, which contributed to the landslide’s occurrence, and officials warned of a potential secondary landslide. Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer noted the unprecedented scale of the disaster in his 65 years in the city. Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a disaster for the region and mobilized state resources for emergency response. Senator Lisa Murkowski also raised concerns for the residents, urging for their safety amidst ongoing threats of additional landslides.
Landslide in Alaskan city causes mandatory evacuations, leaves one person dead
A landslide in the city of Ketchikan, Alaska, left one person dead and three others injured on Sunday. It happened at approximately 4 p.m. local time, destroying several homes and endangering part of the city’s population. City officials called for mandatory evacuations in the area.
A local community center and the city’s Ketchikan High School were being used as shelters during the emergency. There were also warnings that a second landslide was possible, and emergency personnel were monitoring the situation.
“A potential secondary landslide area has been identified south of the original slide location. Response crews are standing by,” the city announced in a release Sunday evening.
Ketchikan experienced heavy rain all weekend before the landslide, which contributed to the conditions necessary for it to happen. The heavy rain was expected to continue into Monday, according to reports.
The devastation from the landslide left many in awe, including Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer.
“In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude,” Kiffer said in a statement Sunday night.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy (R-AK) announced a disaster declaration for the area.
“I have directed state agencies to make available all resources and staff for the response effort,” Dunleavy said in a statement. He also took to social media to provide updates on the situation.
“This afternoon, I verbally declared a disaster declaration for the landslide that struck Ketchikan earlier today,” Dunleavy posted on X. “All state agencies are directed to provide whatever assistance is needed. My thoughts and prayers are with the residents of Ketchikan tonight.”
Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) also expressed concern for the landslide victims.
“Praying for everyone in Ketchikan right now,” Murkowski posted on X. “The city has issued a warning that a second landslide is possible and is mandating evacuation for people who live along 1st, 2nd and 3rd Avenues as well as parts of Water Street. Officials are encouraging those evacuating to use Madison Street to reach an emergency shelter at the Ketchikan High School.”
Ketchikan is located along Alaska’s Inside Passage in the southeastern part of the state, west of British Columbia, Canada, and about 680 miles north of Seattle. The city has a population of nearly 14,000 people and has dubbed itself the “salmon capital of the world.”
Landslides have been quite problematic and a recurring hazard in southeastern Alaska, according to Alaska’s Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys. The natural disaster, which typically happens when the ground on slopes or sides of mountains becomes unstable, has caused tens of millions of dollars in damage and has killed 11 people in southeastern Alaska over the last decade.
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