ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Alaska’s governor declared a disaster following a landslide that prompted an evacuation in the city of Ketchikan.
The landslide around 4 p.m. Sunday damaged homes and infrastructure in the city, which was being aided by the State Emergency Operation Center, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in a statement.
“I have directed state agencies to make available all resources and staff for the response effort,” Dunleavy said.
There was no immediate report of injuries.
Multiple homes were impacted by the landslide and a mandatory evacuation was ordered for residents of Third Avenue and nearby streets, while a shelter was set up at Ketchikan High School, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough and City of Ketchikan said in a joint statement Sunday.
A potential secondary landslide area was identified to the south of the original slide location and crews were standing by, the statement said.
Various local and state agencies responded. A Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Response Specialist and federal Department of Transportation personnel are expected to travel to Ketchikan on Monday, Dunleavy said.
The Ketchikan police and fire departments did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking additional information.
On September 1st, 2021, Governor Mike Dunleavy of Alaska declared a state of disaster in the city of Ketchikan after a devastating landslide occurred in the area. The landslide, which occurred in the early hours of the morning, has caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure in the region, prompting the governor to order the immediate evacuation of residents from the affected areas.
The landslide, which was triggered by heavy rainfall and unstable soil conditions, has left many residents in Ketchikan without homes or access to basic services. In response to the disaster, Governor Dunleavy has mobilized state resources to assist with rescue and recovery efforts, including deploying emergency response teams and providing aid to those affected by the landslide.
The governor’s declaration of a state of disaster allows for additional resources to be allocated to the affected areas, including funding for emergency shelters, debris removal, and infrastructure repairs. It also enables state agencies to coordinate their response efforts and provide assistance to local authorities in managing the crisis.
The evacuation order issued by Governor Dunleavy is aimed at ensuring the safety of residents in Ketchikan and preventing further loss of life or property. Residents are being urged to evacuate immediately and seek shelter in designated evacuation centers until it is safe to return to their homes.
The landslide in Ketchikan serves as a stark reminder of the unpredictable and destructive power of natural disasters. It underscores the importance of preparedness and response efforts in mitigating the impact of such events and ensuring the safety and well-being of communities at risk.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue in Ketchikan, Governor Dunleavy has pledged to work closely with local authorities and community leaders to provide support and assistance to those affected by the landslide. The state government is committed to helping the residents of Ketchikan rebuild and recover from this devastating event, and will continue to monitor the situation closely in the days and weeks ahead.
