Current:Home > Finance'I never seen a slide of this magnitude': Alaska landslide kills 1, at least 3 injured-LoTradeCoin
'I never seen a slide of this magnitude': Alaska landslide kills 1, at least 3 injured
View Date:2025-01-13 14:12:19
Mandatory evacuations are underway in a southeastern Alaska city after a landslide leveled homes and businesses, leaving at least one person dead and multiple people injured Sunday.
Land detached from a hill side about 4 p.m. local time, significantly damaging roads and knocking out power, officials with the city of Ketchikan, reported.
“In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude,” they city's Mayor Dave Kiffer said in a release. “The loss of life that we have encountered is heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those who lost their homes."
At least one person died and three people were taken to a hospital to be treated for unspecified injuries, city officials said.
Early Monday morning, a city emergency dispatcher told USA TODAY no additional injuries had been reported.
It was not immediately known how many people were displaced.
"A potential secondary landslide area has been identified south of the original landside," the city wrote, adding emergency crews were standing by.
Alaska's governor issues emergency disaster declaration
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster emergency declaration for Ketchikan on Sunday night.
“All state agencies are directed to provide whatever assistance is needed," the governor posted on X. “My thoughts and prayers are with residents of Ketchikan tonight."
Hurricane Gilma tracker:See latest details, projected path of storm in Pacific
Mandatory evacuation in place
Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan said in a social media post a mandatory evacuation order was in place for the affected area.
"My team and I stand ready to help facilitate any federal assistance that may be necessary," Sullivan posted on X. "I’ve had constructive discussions with Borough Mayor Rodney Dial and City Mayor Dave Kiffer who are both very focused on recovery efforts... Our prayers are with the families, the injured, those recovering, and the community."
An emergency shelter has been set up at a local high school, official said.
Power expected to be restored when 'each area is cleared for safety'
Early Monday morning it was not immediately known how many homes and businesses were in the dark.
Power was expected to be restored over the next few days once each area is cleared for safety, the city said, and the American Red Cross is on scene.
“As we work through this, please keep the affected families in your prayers and know we will do everything we can to recover from this event as quickly as possible and help those in need. We sincerely appreciate the first responders, medical personnel, volunteers, businesses and others offering assistance,” Borough Mayor Rodney Dial said.
Where is Ketchikan?
The city is north of Pennock Island not far from the Canadian border.
Ketchikan faces the Inside Passage, a popular cruise route on a network of waterways snaking through "some of the most jaw-droppingly beautiful wilderness in the world," according to the city's website. Ketchikan, it continues, is known for "feisty salmon, idyllic scenery, and an incredibly rich Alaska Native culture."
Natalie Neysa Alund is a senior reporter for USA TODAY. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on X @nataliealund.
veryGood! (5751)
Related
- Medical King recalls 222,000 adult bed assistance rails after one reported death
- Connie Chiume, Black Panther Actress, Dead at 72: Lupita Nyong'o and More Pay Tribute
- What to know about the controversy over a cancelled grain terminal in Louisiana’s Cancer Alley
- In a 2020 flashback, Georgia’s GOP-aligned election board wants to reinvestigate election results
- Jason Statham Shares Rare Family Photos of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Their Kids on Vacation
- Beware of giant spiders: Thousands of tarantulas to emerge in 3 states for mating season
- Team USA's Katie Moon takes silver medal in women's pole vault at Paris Olympics
- Eva Mendes Shares Message of Gratitude to Olympics for Keeping Her and Ryan Gosling's Kids Private
- Jennifer Lopez Gets Loud in Her First Onstage Appearance Amid Ben Affleck Divorce
- TikToker Nara Smith Addresses Hateful Criticism She and Husband Lucky Blue Smith Have Received
Ranking
- NASCAR Championship race live updates, how to watch: Cup title on the line at Phoenix
- Blake Lively’s Inner Circle Shares Rare Insight on Her Life as a Mom to 4 Kids
- Mega Millions winning numbers for August 6 drawing: Jackpot climbs to $398 million
- NCAA hits former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh with suspension, show-cause for recruiting violations
- Elon Musk responds after Chloe Fineman alleges he made her 'burst into tears' on 'SNL'
- Jackie Young adds surprising lift as US women's basketball tops Nigeria to reach Olympic semifinals
- These Lululemon Finds Are Too Irresistible to Skip—Align Leggings for $39, Tops for $24 & More Must-Haves
- Kehlani Responds to Hurtful Accusation She’s in a Cult
Recommendation
-
Japan to resume V-22 flights after inquiry finds pilot error caused accident
-
Immigration issues sorted, Guatemala runner Luis Grijalva can now focus solely on sports
-
Breaking at 2024 Paris Olympics: No, it's not called breakdancing. Here's how it works
-
Tony Hawk drops in on Paris skateboarding and pushes for more styles of sport in LA 2028
-
Trump's election has women swearing off sex with men. It's called the 4B movement.
-
FBI: California woman brought sword, whip and other weapons into Capitol during Jan. 6 riot
-
A steeplechase record at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Then a proposal. (He said yes.)
-
Euphoria's Hunter Schafer Says Ex Dominic Fike Cheated on Her Before Breakup