A worker removes debris after a deadly landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, Sunday, Aug. 25, 2024. | Photo credit: AP
Alaska’s governor declared a disaster after a landslide in the city of Ketchikan forced an evacuation.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy said in a statement that the landslide, which occurred about 4 p.m. Sunday, damaged homes and infrastructure in the town, which is being assisted by the State Emergency Operations Center.
“I have directed state agencies to commit all resources and personnel to the response effort,” Dunleavy said.
There was no immediate information about anyone being injured.
The Ketchikan Gateway Borough and the city of Ketchikan said in a joint statement Sunday that the landslide affected several homes and that residents along Third Avenue and surrounding streets were given a mandatory evacuation order while a shelter was set up at Ketchikan High School.
A potential secondary landslide area has been identified south of the original landslide location and teams have been deployed there, the statement said.
Various local and state agencies responded. Dunleavy said Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management response specialists and federal Transportation Department personnel are expected to travel to Ketchikan on Monday.
Ketchikan police and fire departments did not immediately respond to emails from The Associated Press seeking additional information.