...At this time all individuals have been accounted for.
This evening Borough Mayor Rodney Dial and City of Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer issued a Joint Disaster Emergency Declaration. Earlier this evening, Governor Dunleavy issued a State of Alaska Disaster Emergency Declaration for the Ketchikan landslide. The declaration activates disaster response and recovery programs.
“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. As we work through this, please keep the affected families in your prayers and know we will do everything we can to recover from this event as quickly as possible and help those in need. We sincerely appreciate the first responders, medical personnel, volunteers, businesses and others offering assistance.” – Rodney Dial, Ketchikan Gateway Borough Mayor
“In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude. With the slides we have seen across the region, there is clearly a region-wide issue that we need to try to understand with the support of our State geologist. The loss of life that we have encountered is heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those who lost their homes.” – Dave Kiffer, City of Ketchikan Mayor
The potential for a secondary landslide south of the original slide area remains a concern.
The evacuation order remains in effect for homes in the Third Avenue, Second Avenue/Water Street, First Avenue, and White Cliff Avenue between Austin Street and Nadeau Street until further notice.
The emergency shelter at the Ketchikan High School is fully stocked with supplies, bedding, food, and necessities, and there is ample capacity available. The Gateway Recreation Center has showers and towels available from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Donations and volunteer information is being coordinated through the local chapter of the American Red Cross. American Red Cross Contact: Jay Kurtz (712) 739-0772.
Any power that could be restored safely was restored by 8:15 p.m. this evening. Power will remain out in the area of First Ave and Second Ave from Austin St to the 1800 Blocks of First and Second Avenues. Power will be restored by area over the next few days once each area is cleared for safety. The homes on Second Ave between 2010 and 2122 will remain off until the slide area is cleared and broken power poles are replaced.
The following City and Borough facilities will be closed on Monday, August 25:
• White Cliff Building
• City Hall and City offices
• KPU public-facing offices
Updates will be provided as information becomes available. Photos are attached. To sign up for Nixle emergency alerts text “99901” to 888777 for updates.
Media Release Update - August 25, 2024
