A massive landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska has prompted authorities to issue a mandatory evacuation.
On Sunday, this landslide damaged homes and businesses. Various injuries have also occurred. At least one death has also been reported.
A Massive Landslide in Alaska
Around 4 p.m. local time in Ketchikan, Alaska, reports of a huge landslide were made.
According to officials with the Alaskan city, this landslide occurred after land detached from a hillside.
Damaged Property
Though this event is still ongoing, locals and officials have revealed that property, homes, and businesses have been damaged as a result of this landslide.
Roads have also been significantly damaged, creating much turmoil and chaos in the city.
No Power in Ketchikan
This landslide has also caused power to be completely knocked out in the town. One day after this event first occurred, power has still not been restored.
Officials have explained that much of the town may remain without power for the foreseeable future, as conditions in Ketchikan are still incredibly unsafe.
A Deadly Event
Unfortunately, this landslide has turned deadly, as there has been at least one reported death from the event.
Multiple people have been injured, while at least three people have been taken to a hospital for unspecified injuries.
An Emergency Has Been Declared
On Sunday, Alaska’s Governor Mike Dunleavy officially issued a disaster emergency declaration for the Alaskan town.
“All state agencies are directed to provide whatever assistance is needed,” Dunleavy posted on X. “My thoughts and prayers are with residents of Ketchikan tonight.”
Working on Recovery
As people have been injured, homes have been destroyed, and businesses have been leveled, Alaska government officials have explained that they are all working together to help with the recovery effort.
Senator Dan Sullivan wrote on X, “My team and I stand ready to help facilitate any federal assistance that may be necessary. I’ve had constructive discussions with Borough Mayor Rodney Dial and City Mayor Dave Kiffer who are both very focused on recovery efforts… Our prayers are with the families, the injured, those recovering, and the community.”
Mandatory Evacuations Occur
Authorities have also issued mandatory evacuations for residents of the town, as the situation — and the land — remain treacherous.
To keep people safe, officials have set up an emergency shelter at a local high school.
A Heartbreaking Situation
Ketchikan’s Mayor Dave Kiffer has released a statement about this heartbreaking situation, explaining he’s never seen anything like this before.
“In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude,” Kiffer said. “The loss of life that we have encountered is heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those who lost their homes.”
When Will Power Be Restored?
As this situation remains very active — and threats of another landslide have appeared — authorities have explained that it might take a few days for power to be restored.
Once areas are cleared for safety, and once the American Red Cross is there to help with recovery efforts, they will work to restore power to the community.
An Ongoing Process
Borough Mayor Rodney Dial explained that this deadly and tragic situation is ongoing. The recovery process, therefore, is also ongoing.
“As we work through this, please keep the affected families in your prayers and know we will do everything we can to recover from this event as quickly as possible and help those in need. We sincerely appreciate the first responders, medical personnel, volunteers, businesses and others offering assistance,” Dial said.
Danger Remains
While this one massive landslide appears to be settled, authorities have explained that danger in the town still remains — and another landslide area has been found.
Officials with Ketchikan said, “A potential secondary landslide area has been identified south of the original landslide.”
