Juneau, Alaska, (KINY) – At around 4 pm yesterday a major landslide happened in Ketchikan, killing one person and sending three others to the hospital. One was treated and released, the other two were admitted. Thankfully, there are no missing people – everyone in Ketchikan is accounted for. A potential secondary landslide area was identified south of the original slide location, and a mandatory evacuation order has been issued for homes on Third Avenue, Second Avenue/Water Street, First Avenue and White Cliff avenue between Austin and Nadeau street.
Ketchikan high school has been set up as an emergency shelter. The Ketchikan school district has canceled classes today to keep the roads clear for emergency responders. Governor Dunleavy has declared a disaster, as have the local jurisdictions. A Department of Homeland Security and Emergency response specialist and Federal Department of Transportation personnel are expected to arrive today.
The landslide also caused widespread power outages. In a social media post at 8:15 last night, Ketchikan Public Utilities said they had restored power to many homes and businesses. For those still without power, it can’t be restored until the landslide is cleared. As of this morning, there were six power poles down that cannot be safely repaired.
In a statement, Ketchikan mayor Dave Kiffer said he has never seen a landslide this devastating in 65 years. Local First news will keep you updated as this story develops.
