Ketchikan, Alaska Grapples with Devastating Landslide Aftermath, Declares State of Emergency

Ketchikan, Alaska Battling Aftermath of a Devastating Landslide

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A devastating landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, has left the city in turmoil, resulting in one casualty and several injuries. The coastal city is now facing a state of emergency due to fears of another potential landslide.

Horrific Landfall Leaves City in Shock

In the southern stretch of Alaska, Ketchikan was grievously hit by a landslide that descended from a hillside on Sunday afternoon. The sudden burst caused severe damage to homes, businesses, and roadways, making it one of the most devastating landslides in the city’s history. As expressed by the city mayor, “In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude. The loss of life that we have encountered is heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those who lost their homes.”

Evacuation Measures and Casualties

Following the disastrous landslide, evacuation measures were promptly initialized by the city. The threat of another potential landslide looming over the city has added to the precarious situation. Residents living in the vicinity of Third Avenue, Second Avenue, and Walter Street, as well as those residing between Austin Street and Nadeau Street on First Avenue and White Cliff Avenue, have been directed to evacuate.

Out of the several injuries reported, three were serious enough to require hospitalization. According to updates from city officials, one individual has since been treated and released, while the remaining two have been admitted to the hospital for continued care. Unfortunately, one casualty was reported in the incident.

Emergency Declarations and Disaster Response

In response to the calamitous situation, Alaska’s Governor declared a state of emergency for the city of Ketchikan. This enables all relevant state agencies to provide necessary assistance to help cope with the aftermath. The governor issued a heartfelt message saying, “My thoughts and prayers are with residents of Ketchikan tonight.”

An emergency shelter has been set up at a local high school to provide temporary relief for the affected residents. Moreover, response teams have also been put on standby, ready to respond if another slide should occur. City and borough mayors have also declared a joint local disaster emergency to fast-track the aid and recovery process.

Infrastructure Damage and Citywide Impact

The landslide has caused a significant amount of damage and has disrupted the normal routine of the city. Local utilities such as power, internet, and phone services have all been disrupted, with the city warning of line disconnections immediately after the incident. Although service has since been resumed for many residents and commercial entities, a number of power poles remain irreparable, posing a threat to the return of full service.

Several roads remain closed within the evacuation area, causing traffic delays and further instability. Despite its small population of about 14,000 people, Ketchikan is a bustling city known for its rich landscapes, fjords, glaciers, and its self-proclaimed title of the salmon capital of the world.

The situation continues to unfold as the city does everything in its power to recover and rebuild from this unfortunate event.