Deadly Landslide Strikes Ketchikan, Alaska: One Killed, Three Injured

A devastating landslide struck Ketchikan, Alaska, on August 25, 2024, resulting in one fatality and three injuries. The incident, which occurred around 4 p.m. local time, has prompted emergency responses from local and state authorities.

Ketchikan, known as the "Salmon Capital of the World," is a city of approximately 8,000 residents located on Revillagigedo Island in southeastern Alaska. The area, part of the Tongass National Forest, experiences high annual rainfall, averaging 150 inches per year, which may have contributed to the landslide conditions.

In response to the disaster, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state of emergency for Ketchikan. Simultaneously, Borough Mayor Rodney Dial and City Mayor Dave Kiffer issued a joint emergency declaration. The governors' swift action has mobilized state resources to assist in the response efforts.

Mayor Kiffer expressed his shock at the scale of the disaster, stating, "In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude." This statement underscores the unprecedented nature of the event in a city that has existed since its founding as a fishing camp in 1885.

The landslide has significantly impacted the community, damaging homes and infrastructure. Local authorities have ordered a mandatory evacuation for residents of Third Avenue and nearby streets. A shelter has been established at Ketchikan High School to accommodate those displaced by the disaster.

Power restoration efforts began promptly, with some affected areas regaining electricity by 8:15 p.m. on the day of the incident. However, certain areas remain without power as crews work to clear the landslide debris and replace damaged power poles.

Various local and state agencies have responded to the emergency. The Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Response Specialist and federal Department of Transportation personnel were expected to arrive in Ketchikan on August 26, 2024, to assist with the ongoing response efforts.

"I have directed state agencies to make available all resources and staff for the response effort."

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the natural hazards faced by communities in Alaska. Ketchikan, accessible only by air and sea, faces unique challenges in disaster response. The city's location within the Tongass National Forest, the largest national forest in the United States, adds to the complexity of managing such emergencies.

As the community grapples with this tragedy, the resilience of Ketchikan's residents, known for their rich Native Alaskan heritage and strong cultural influences from Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian traditions, will undoubtedly play a crucial role in the recovery process.