1 person killed in Ketchikan landslide, multiple homes destroyed

Houses connected 2nd Avenue destroyed by nan landslide connected Aug. 25, 2024 (Jack Darrell/KRBD)

Emergency crews are responding to a ample landslide that killed 1 personification and destroyed respective houses successful Ketchikan Sunday. The descent came down astatine astir 4pm supra nan Third Avenue Bypass successful nan White Cliff neighborhood. 

Borough officials said 2 group were admitted to nan hospital, but nan grade of their injuries is unclear. They said each individuals person been accounted for.

Ketchikan knowledgeable dense rains connected Saturday nighttime and Sunday starring up to nan slide. The rainfall is expected to proceed done Monday morning.

A mandatory removal bid has been issued for residents connected Third Avenue, Second Avenue, First Avenue, and White Cliff Avenue betwixt Austin and Nadeau streets. The Ketchikan High School is group up arsenic an emergency shelter pinch water, nutrient and blankets. The Saxman Community Center has been identified arsenic a 2nd emergency shelter site.

The descent blocked nan Third Avenue Bypass, arsenic good arsenic different roads successful nan area. Crews cleared downed powerfulness lines that were interfering pinch rescue efforts. The borough confirmed that powerfulness has been restored to adjacent homes but powerfulness connected First and Second Avenues successful nan descent area will apt beryllium down for an extended play of time. Authorities person advised avoiding nan area until further notice.

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough announced that a secondary area conscionable southbound of nan original descent has been identified that could airs a landslide risk. They said consequence crews are monitoring it. 

At astir 8 p.m., Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration for nan landslide.

“All authorities agencies are directed to supply immoderate assistance is needed,” he wrote connected societal media. “My thoughts and prayers are pinch nan residents of Ketchikan tonight.”

The Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District superintendent announced that nan first time of schoolhouse for returning students Monday has been canceled for each Ketchikan schools successful bid to support nan roads clear for emergency vehicles.