Following a devastating landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a state of disaster. The incident occurred around 4 p.m. on Sunday, causing damage to homes and infrastructure in the city. Immediate assistance is being provided to Ketchikan by the State Emergency Operation Center, Governor Dunleavy announced in a statement. All available resources and personnel are being mobilized for the response effort.
Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries as a result of the landslide. However, multiple homes were impacted, leading to a mandatory evacuation order for residents of Third Avenue and surrounding streets. A shelter has been established at Ketchikan High School, according to a joint statement released by the Ketchikan Gateway Borough and City of Ketchikan.
Authorities have identified a potential secondary landslide area to the south of the original site, and response teams are on standby for any further developments. Both local and state agencies are working together to address the situation. The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Response Specialist, along with personnel from the federal Department of Transportation, are scheduled to arrive in Ketchikan on Monday, Governor Dunleavy confirmed.
Efforts to obtain more information from the Ketchikan police and fire departments were unsuccessful at the time of reporting.