KETCHIKAN, AK – One person died and three others were hospitalized following a devastating landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, according to local officials. The landslide, which damaged numerous homes and roadways, led to mandatory evacuations.
The authorities were alerted to the landslide around 4 p.m. on Sunday and immediately launched search and rescue efforts. Information on the conditions of the hospitalized individuals remains limited, although one patient was subsequently discharged.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy promptly reacted to the disaster by issuing an Alaska Disaster Emergency Declaration. Concurrently, Borough Mayor Rodney Dial and City of Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer released a Joint Disaster Emergency Declaration. Kiffer described this incident as unprecedented, expressing his condolences to those affected.
Evacuation orders were directed at homes around the landslide, primarily located along Third Avenue, Second Avenue, Water Street, First Avenue, and White Cliff Avenue between Austin Street and Nadeau Street, according to the officials.
Images emerging from the scene depict severe damage with debris-covered roads, piles of loose soil, and fallen trees pressed against houses. Senator Dan Sullivan has offered his prayers to those impacted and assured swift delivery of any federal assistance needed.