Update: There are three known dead in the landslide, one is a child; three are missing –– two adults and a child. Rescue efforts are difficult due to continuous sliding, with the slide being about 500 feet wide. Rain on Monday totaled about three inches in Wrangell. Dozens of homes are still without power beyond the slide zone.
A major landslide at about destroyed homes in Wrangell on Monday around 9 pm. Troopers and other agencies responded to the slide near Mile 11 of the Zimovia Highway. Three are known to have died, and three are missing. Three homes were in the direct path of the slide.
“A preliminary survey determined that three single-family residences were directly in the path of the landslide. The first responders started a hasty search to look for survivors. The body of one deceased individual was located during the search. Multiple individuals are believed to have been within the slide area when the landslide occurred and are believed to be missing. The Alaska State Troopers have assumed command of the search and rescue effort,” Troopers said in a statement Tuesday morning. Two minors and an adult are still missing, as of Wednesday morning.
A major winter storm has been battering Southeast Alaska with torrential rains in southern portions and snow in Juneau and northern Lynn Canal. Juneau’s Thane Road has been under an avalanche alert during this weather event.
“Our local search and rescue team is working with the Alaska State Troopers, USCG, USFS, local contractors, city staff and DOT in a concerted effort to sift through and clear debris. A large-scale search and rescue effort cannot be done at this time as the site is extremely hazardous and unstable. A state geologist will have to come in to assess the site to ensure conditions are safe before proceeding with a full-scale effort,” the City of Wrangell wrote on Facebook.
“We ask that public direct all important questions/concerns/inquiries to Mason Villarma, Interim Borough Manager at (360) 981-1010. If you are calling to report a missing person, please call the Wrangell Police Department at (907) 874-3304. We will provide periodic updates of our ongoing search and rescue mission. The next update will be at 9am AKDT.”
Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a verbal disaster declaration on Tuesday. Dunleavy said, “Rose and I are heartbroken by this disaster and we pray for the safety of all those on site and offer all the resources our state has available.”
The main slide measured about 200 feet wide, and was active throughout the night. Water taxis are being used available to help those on the south end navigate to the other side of the slide area. Zimovia Highway is closed to all highway traffic south of 6-Mile, the state Department of Transportation announcement said. Trident Seafoods is offering its bunk house for emergency housing, and businesses around town are offering free food, coffee, and shelter. Schools are closed on Wednesday.
The Department of Transportation is bringing in additional personnel and drone equipment Tuesday from Juneau. This story will be updated.
