City officials in Ketchikan, Alaska have issued mandatory evacuation orders for parts of a community that has been struck by a landslide. The initial landslide occurred around 4 p.m. on Sunday, causing damage to multiple homes in the coastal city.
Authorities have identified a potential secondary landslide area south of the original slide location, prompting response crews to be on standby. Residents in the at-risk area have been instructed to evacuate immediately. A local high school has been designated as an emergency shelter for those affected.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a state of disaster in response to the landslide. In a statement, the governor expressed his concern for the residents of Ketchikan and directed all state agencies to provide necessary assistance.
The evacuation area includes homes along Third Avenue, Second Avenue, Walter Street, First Avenue, and White Cliff Avenue between Austin Street and Nadeau Street. Residents in these areas are urged to comply with the evacuation orders for their safety.
