Landslide hits Alaskan city, killing 1; mandatory evacuations ordered

Aug. 26 (UPI) -- At least one person was killed and several others were injured in a landslide that hit the Alaskan coastal city of Ketchikan on Sunday, according to officials who have ordered mandatory evacuations over the potential of additional landslides.

City officials said in a statement that the landslide occurred at about 4 p.m., damaging multiple homes. Third Avenue Bypass, Second Avenue, First Avenue and White Cliff Avenue were all affected, it said.

The city declared a disaster emergency, stating in the declaration that the landslide has also forced road closures and caused flooding.

Ketchikan Gateway Borough Mayor Rodney Dial said that in his 65 years, he has "never seen a slide of this magnitude."

The officials said one person was killed and three others were hospitalized with injuries suffered during the slide. Of those injured, only one has been released from the hospital as of late Sunday.

"Friends, is with a heavy heart we relay that a landslide in the city has taken a life, caused several injuries, damaged homes and impacted our community," Dial said in the statement. "As we work through this, please keep the affected families in your prayers."

City officials are warning over the potential of another landslide and have ordered the mandatory evacuation of some residents. An emergency shelter has been erected and stocked with supplies at the Ketchikan high school, they said.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy of Alaska said late Sunday that he has declared a disaster declaration and has directed all state agencies to provide the city with "what ever assistance is needed."

With posting pictures online of utility poles that had been toppled by tons of earth and felled trees, local KPU Electric said the landslide had caused power outages in the city.

It said many homes and businesses had power restored by 8 p.m. but that those without electricity would remain that way until the landslide was cleared.

"There are six poles down that cannot be repaired at safely at this time," it said in a statement .

"Praying for everyone in Ketchikan right now," Sen. Lisa Murkowski said on X.

Located in the Southeast Alaska Panhandle, Ketchikan is home to about 8,200 people, according to the U.S. Census Bureau .