In the wake of a devastating landslide that struck the southeastern coastal city of Ketchikan, Alaska, the community is grappling with the aftermath of destruction, loss, and uncertainty. The landslide, which occurred late Sunday afternoon, claimed the life of one resident, left several others injured, and obliterated homes and critical infrastructure, sending shockwaves through this close-knit community.
The disaster unfolded around 4 p.m. on Sunday, with the landslide impacting areas approximately 300 miles south of Juneau. The immediate aftermath saw emergency evacuation orders issued for residents living on Third Avenue and nearby streets. Authorities swiftly opened a shelter at Ketchikan High School to accommodate displaced residents, offering a temporary refuge as the extent of the damage became clear.
"In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude," Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer said in a statement, reflecting the shock and sorrow that have permeated the town. "The loss of life that we have encountered is heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those who lost their homes."
Governor Mike Dunleavy responded swiftly to the crisis, issuing a state disaster declaration late Sunday evening. "My thoughts and prayers are with the residents of Ketchikan tonight," Dunleavy said. "I have directed state agencies to make available all resources and staff for the response effort." The declaration has mobilized state resources, including the State Emergency Operation Center, which is now fully staffed and assisting local authorities in managing the disaster.
The landslide, described by local officials as "devastating," also raised the specter of additional slides. The Ketchikan Gateway Borough and the City of Ketchikan jointly warned of the potential for a secondary landslide south of the original site, which has further heightened the urgency of the situation. Crews remain on high alert, prepared to respond to any new developments.
As of Sunday night, power had been partially restored to areas deemed safe, with further utility restoration expected in the coming days. However, homes located near the slide zone will remain without power until it is safe to proceed with repairs. "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," urged Ketchikan Gateway Borough Mayor Rodney Dial.
Three individuals injured in the landslide were transported to Ketchikan Medical Center. While one has been treated and released, the other two remain hospitalized. The full extent of their injuries has not been disclosed, but the community remains hopeful for their recovery.
In the aftermath of the landslide, the American Red Cross has stepped in to coordinate volunteer efforts and gather donations for those affected. Additionally, a Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management response specialist, alongside personnel from the Department of Transportation, will be arriving in Ketchikan to assess the situation and determine the necessary steps for recovery.
This tragic event has underscored the vulnerability of Ketchikan and the surrounding region to natural disasters. "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," Mayor Kiffer noted, highlighting the need for a broader investigation into the causes and prevention of such catastrophic events.
