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A landslide killed one person and injured several others in southern Alaska on Sunday, and some residents were ordered to evacuate, and officials warned another slide could strike nearby.
Several homes, businesses and roads were significantly damaged after a landslide hit the Alaskan coastal town of Ketchikan around 4pm on Sunday. The city said in a release.
“In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I’ve never seen a slide of this magnitude,” said Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiefer. “The loss of life that we’ve experienced is heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those who lost their homes,” he added.
In addition to the man killed, three people were taken to the hospital with injuries, the city said An upgrade. One was treated and released, while the other two were admitted.
All residents are accounted for, the city noted.
But some residents in the area were ordered to evacuate on Sunday as city officials worried another landslide could be triggered south of the initial collapse.
The evacuation area includes homes along Third Avenue, Second Avenue and Walter Street, First Avenue and White Cliff Avenue between Austin Street and Nadeau Street, according to the release.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster emergency declaration for Ketchikan, saying in a post on X, “All state agencies are directed to provide assistance as needed.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the residents of Ketchikan tonight,” the governor added.
An emergency shelter is in place at a local high school and rescue crews are standing by in case another slide hits, the city said.
City Mayor Kefir and Borough Mayor Rodney Dial issued a joint local disaster emergency declaration Sunday.
“As we do this, please keep the affected families in your prayers and know that we will do everything we can to help those in need and recover quickly from this event. We extend our sincere appreciation to first responders, medical personnel, volunteers, businesses and others who are providing assistance,” he said. Dial said.
The landslide occurred Sunday afternoon in an approximate location in Ketchikan, Alaska, officials said.
The slide sent trees, downed power poles and thick waves of dirt crashing into a row of hillside homes. Pictures shared by the city show a wall of rubble lining the sides of several homes.
According to the local utility, power, telephone and internet are out in the area KPU Electric. The city warned of streaks on the ground immediately after the collapse.
Although service was restored to many homes and businesses by Sunday night, at least six power poles still could not be safely repaired, KPU said in an update.
Photos shared by the app showed the road completely blocked by downed trees and what appeared to be a power pole.
KPU Customer Service and City Hall offices will be closed Monday due to the collapse. The city said in its Facebook post.
The city said in another post that several roads near the evacuation area are closed and residents may experience traffic delays.
Ketchikan, with population About 14,000Located on the southern side of Alaska’s Inside Passage – a waterway famous for its spectacular landscapes, fjords and glaciers. The city claims to be the salmon capital of the world.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
CNN’s Jillian Sykes and Amanda Jackson contributed to this report.
