Tragedy struck the city of Ketchikan, Alaska, as a devastating landslide claimed one life and left three others injured. The incident, which occurred around 4 p.m. on Sunday, led to significant damage to homes and infrastructure in the area.
Following the landslide, three individuals were rushed to Ketchikan Medical Center for treatment. While two victims were admitted to the hospital, one was treated and released. Fortunately, all other residents have been safely located and accounted for.
The landslide prompted Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy to declare a state of emergency for Ketchikan. Both Borough Mayor Rodney Dial and City Mayor Dave Kiffer issued emergency declarations in response to the disaster.
In a joint statement, Dial expressed his sorrow over the loss of life and the impact on the community, emphasizing the need for understanding the underlying causes of such incidents. Kiffer echoed these sentiments, describing the situation as unprecedented in his 65 years in Ketchikan.
Multiple homes were affected by the landslide, leading to a mandatory evacuation order for residents of Third Avenue and surrounding streets. A shelter was established at Ketchikan High School to accommodate those displaced by the disaster.
Efforts to address the aftermath of the landslide were underway, with crews identifying a potential secondary landslide area and working to restore power to affected areas. While some locations had power restored by 8:15 p.m., others remained without electricity as cleanup and repairs continued.
Local and state agencies mobilized to respond to the crisis, with support from the Department of Homeland Security, Emergency Management Response Specialist, and federal Department of Transportation personnel expected to arrive in Ketchikan to assist with recovery efforts.
Governor Dunleavy pledged full state support for the response effort, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and resource mobilization in the face of such a tragic event. The city of Ketchikan received assistance from the State Emergency Operations Center to manage the crisis and aid affected residents.
