Landslide Strikes Alaskan City, 1 Dead; Evacuations Mandated

On Sunday, August 26, a devastating landslide struck Ketchikan, a coastal city in Alaska, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries. Local authorities responded rapidly, issuing mandatory evacuations as fears of further landslides loomed over the community.

The landslide occurred around 4 p.m. and had a significant impact, damaging several homes across Third Avenue Bypass, Second Avenue, First Avenue, and White Cliff Avenue. City officials provided an update indicating that the disaster prompted road closures and flooding in various areas of Ketchikan.

Ketchikan Gateway Borough Mayor Rodney Dial expressed his shock, stating that he had never witnessed a landslide of this magnitude in his 65 years of living in the area. The tragic event resulted in one confirmed death and sent three individuals to the hospital, with only one of the injured being released by late Sunday evening.

In an emotional message, Mayor Dial expressed his sorrow over the incident, urging residents to keep those affected in their thoughts and prayers. “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,” he said.

To safeguard residents from additional risks, city officials mandated evacuations, particularly in areas most affected by the landslide. An emergency shelter has been set up at Ketchikan High School, stocked with essential supplies for those displaced by the disaster.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a disaster declaration on Sunday evening and instructed all state agencies to extend whatever assistance necessary to the city during this critical time.

The landslide also caused significant power outages due to toppled utility poles and fallen trees. Local provider KPU Electric reported that many homes and businesses had their power restored by 8 p.m., but some properties would remain without electricity until the debris was cleared. They noted that there were six utility poles down that posed safety concerns and could not be repaired immediately.

Amidst the chaos, U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski reached out to the community via social media, stating, “Praying for everyone in Ketchikan right now.”

Ketchikan, located in the Southeast Alaska Panhandle, has a population of approximately 8,200 people, according to census data. The landslide not only affected the physical landscape but also deeply impacted the community’s spirit as it grapples with the aftermath of this tragic event.