Landslide in Alaska Claims One Life, Damages Roads and Homes, Officials Say

A landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, has led to significant road blockages and damage to homes, resulting in at least one fatality, according to local officials.

Three individuals were taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Kacie Paxton, a public information officer for the Ketchikan Gateway Borough, confirmed that one of those hospitalized has since been discharged.

The landslide struck around 4 p.m. on Sunday, prompting authorities to impose mandatory evacuations. The mudslide affected several streets in Ketchikan, leading Alaska State Troopers and local emergency services to launch search and rescue operations.

In response to the disaster, Governor Mike Dunleavy announced an Alaska Disaster Emergency Declaration. Additionally, a Joint Disaster Emergency Declaration was issued by Borough Mayor Rodney Dial and City of Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer.

Kiffer commented on the incident, stating, “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.”

He expressed sorrow over the loss of life, saying, “The loss of life that we have encountered is heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those who lost their homes.”

Evacuations were ordered for residents near the landslide area, specifically along Third Avenue, Second Avenue, Water Street, First Avenue, and White Cliff Avenue, affecting locations between Austin Street and Nadeau Street.

Images released by the borough depicted a significant accumulation of trees and loose soil, with debris pressing against hillside homes, one of which appeared to have collided with another. Other photographs showed roads littered with fallen trees and mud.

Senator Dan Sullivan shared his condolences on social media, stating, “Our prayers are with the families, the injured, those recovering, and the community.” He further mentioned his readiness to assist in securing any necessary federal support for recovery efforts.