Last week, Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, declared a state of emergency when flooding displaced thousands of residents. Now, Another disaster has crippled part of the northern state.
A deadly landslide in Ketchikan has already left one person dead and injured three others on Sunday as officials try to mitigate the damage.
Mudslides Amid Changing Weather
During the late summer, Alaska sees millions of pounds of water come through its river systems from the last of the summer melt.
On top of swelling rivers causing flooding, the state saw heavy rains moving across the area. Landslides and mudslides devastated the community when 3rd Avenue, 2nd Avenue, 1st Avenue, and White Cliff Avenue were evacuated.
The Damage
After the rains pushed a large sheet of mud and dirt off the side of a cliff, several homes and infrastructure were damaged.
As well, two people were hospitalised due to injuries sustained in the landslide. One has already been treated and released.
Sinkholes
A secondary landslide was identified in the area just south of the original disaster. Crews were standing by early in the morning to mitigate any chaos and destruction.
Also, more bad news shook the community, as quick-running mud under the pavement caused several sinkholes to pop up in the area.
Power Outages
Due to the damage caused to the infrastructure in the city, power was lost and then restored to some of the affected areas by 8:15 p.m. on Sunday night.
Other areas around the city will remain without power while the landslide is cleated away. Several power poles need to be replaced, said city officials.
Disaster Declaration
Governor Mike Dunleavy took to social media platform X to share the news with the world: “This afternoon, I verbally declared a disaster declaration for the landslide that struck Ketchikan earlier today.”
“All state agencies are directed to provide whatever assistance is needed. My thoughts and prayers are with the residents of Ketchikan tonight.”
Recent Flooding Also Caused Havoc
Earlier this month, massive flooding caused by glacial melt overwhelmed the Mendenhall River with rising water and destroyed multiple homes.
Gov. Dunleavy was forced to declare a state of emergency and call in the National Guard to deal with the thousands of misplaced residents and washed-away homes.
Local Mayors Join Gov. Dunleavy
Borough Mayor Rodney Dial and city Mayor Dave Kiffer sent out a similar statement on the emergency declaration in their districts.
“Friends, is with a heavy heart we relay that a landslide in the city has taken a life, caused several injuries, damaged homes and impacted our community,” Dial said in the statement. Kiffer added that the death was “heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those who lost their homes.”
Environmental Changes in the State
“In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude. With the slides we have seen across the region, there is clearly a region-wide issue that we need to try to understand with the support of our state geologist,” Kiffer said.
Due to rising global temperatures, glaciers have been melting at record rates, causing land to become inundated with water that it can’t sustain. As a result, more extreme weather-related disasters will become normal.
Emergency Response
The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Response specialist and a federal Department of Transporation personnel will travel to Ketchikan on Monday.
“I have directed state agencies to make available all resources and staff for the response effort,” Dunleavy said as the city will be receiving additional assistance from the State Emergency Operations Center.
Displaced Residents
For the displaced residents in the area, an emergency shelter with bedding, food, and other necessities was constructed at Ketchikan High School. Schools will remain closed on Monday.
According to the National Weather Service, more heavy rain is expected through the middle of the week, worrying experts in the state.
Other Disasters in the State
“The entirety of the panhandle can expect to see rain on Wednesday, continuing into Thursday,” causing fears of more flooding or mudslides.
Last week, a massive flood in the Indigenous village of Napakiak had its water levels rise over 3 feet. Multiple people were trapped in their homes as evacuation efforts took place in the area.
