A devastating landslide struck the city of Ketchikan, Alaska, on Sunday, August 25, 2024, claiming one life and leaving three others injured. The landslide, which occurred around 4 p.m. local time, wreaked havoc on the city, damaging homes, infrastructure, and prompting a mandatory evacuation order. As authorities mobilize resources to address the aftermath, the incident has raised concerns about the broader geological risks facing the region.
The landslide, described as one of the most severe in recent memory, hit Ketchikan with little warning, catching residents off guard. The massive slide of earth and debris tore through the city’s Third Avenue and nearby streets, destroying multiple homes and cutting off power to several areas. The Ketchikan Gateway Borough and the City of Ketchikan quickly issued a joint statement detailing the extent of the damage and the ongoing efforts to ensure the safety of residents.
Emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene, where they discovered one person had been killed by the landslide. Three others were injured and were quickly transported to Ketchikan Medical Centre for treatment. Of the three, two were admitted to the hospital, while one was treated and released. Fortunately, authorities have confirmed that all other individuals in the affected area have been accounted for, alleviating concerns about additional casualties.
In response to the disaster, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared an emergency for the city of Ketchikan. This declaration enabled the rapid mobilization of state resources to assist with the emergency response and recovery efforts. “I have directed state agencies to make available all resources and staff for the response effort,” Dunleavy stated, emphasizing the importance of a coordinated response to mitigate further risks and aid those affected by the landslide.
Ketchikan Borough Mayor Rodney Dial and city Mayor Dave Kiffer also issued a separate emergency declaration, underscoring the severity of the situation. In a joint statement, the mayors expressed their concern over the unprecedented nature of the landslide, with Mayor Kiffer remarking, “In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude. With the slides we have seen across the region, there is clearly a region-wide issue that we need to try to understand with the support of our state geologist.”
The immediate aftermath of the landslide saw the mandatory evacuation of residents in the affected areas, particularly those living on Third Avenue and adjacent streets. Authorities established a shelter at Ketchikan High School to accommodate displaced residents, providing them with a safe place to stay as the situation continues to develop. In addition to the initial slide, a potential secondary landslide area was identified to the south of the original slide location. Emergency crews have been stationed nearby, ready to respond if the situation deteriorates further. The possibility of additional landslides remains a significant concern, with ongoing monitoring and assessment being conducted by local and state geologists.
The landslide caused extensive damage to homes and infrastructure in Ketchikan. In addition to destroying several residential properties, the slide also knocked out power in several parts of the city. Emergency crews worked diligently to restore electricity, successfully bringing power back to some areas by 8:15 p.m. However, other neighborhoods will remain without power until the debris is cleared and damaged power poles are replaced. The disruption to essential services has added to the challenges faced by residents and responders alike. Local utilities are coordinating with state agencies to expedite repairs, but the extent of the damage means that full restoration may take some time. Residents are urged to remain patient and to follow any additional guidance provided by emergency services.
The scale of the disaster has prompted a coordinated response from multiple levels of government. In addition to the emergency declarations from state and local authorities, federal assistance is also being mobilized. A Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Response Specialist, along with personnel from the federal Department of Transportation, are expected to arrive in Ketchikan to support the ongoing efforts. Governor Dunleavy noted that the city is receiving assistance from the State Emergency Operations Centre, which has been activated to provide critical resources and support. This collaboration between local, state, and federal agencies is vital to managing the immediate crisis and to planning for longer-term recovery efforts.
The landslide in Ketchikan is part of a larger pattern of geological instability in the region. Recent months have seen an increase in landslides and related incidents across Southeast Alaska, raising concerns among residents and officials alike. Mayor Kiffer’s remarks about the region-wide issue reflect the growing recognition that more needs to be done to understand and address these risks. State geologists are expected to play a key role in assessing the situation and providing recommendations for mitigating future risks. This may include more detailed geological surveys, improved monitoring systems, and public education campaigns to ensure that residents are better prepared for potential disasters.
Beyond the physical damage, the landslide has taken an emotional toll on the Ketchikan community. The loss of life and the destruction of homes have left many residents shaken, and the prospect of further landslides only adds to the anxiety. However, the community has also demonstrated resilience, with neighbors helping neighbors and local organizations stepping up to provide support. The shelter at Ketchikan High School has become a focal point for relief efforts, offering not only a place to stay but also meals, counseling, and other forms of assistance. Volunteers from across the city have come forward to help, embodying the strong sense of community that Ketchikan is known for.
The landslide in Ketchikan is a stark reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness. As the city begins the process of recovery, the focus will be on supporting those affected, restoring damaged infrastructure, and understanding the broader geological risks that the region faces. The coordinated response from local, state, and federal agencies, combined with the resilience of the Ketchikan community, will be crucial in navigating the challenges ahead. In the coming weeks, attention will likely turn to longer-term strategies for mitigating landslide risks and improving emergency preparedness. For now, however, the priority remains ensuring the safety and well-being of Ketchikan’s residents as they recover from this tragic event.
