Tragedy Strikes as Landslide Claims Life and Leaves Multiple Missing in Alaska

Wrangell, Alaska - In a devastating incident that unfolded late Monday night, a landslide hit the Zimovia Highway near Wrangell, southeast Alaska, claiming the life of one person and leaving several others missing. The landslide path encompassed three homes, prompting the Department of Public Safety to issue a statement urging people to avoid the area due to the possibility of additional landslides. Authorities have also asked some residents to evacuate as a precautionary measure.

The Alaska State Troopers have taken command of the search and rescue operation, working tirelessly to locate and rescue those who may still be trapped. Ground searches, however, have been temporarily halted until a geologist can assess the safety of the slide. Despite this setback, air searches are still ongoing.

The landslide occurred at approximately 9 p.m. local time, impacting residences close to the city of Wrangell. Emergency services swiftly responded to the scene, conducting a preliminary survey that confirmed three single-family homes directly in the path of destruction. First responders immediately initiated a hasty search for survivors. Regrettably, during the search, the body of one individual was discovered.

The Alaska State Troopers have emphasized that the area surrounding the landslide remains unstable and poses a continued threat, with the possibility of additional slides. Measuring approximately 200 feet long, the main slide has prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders for residents living between mile 11 and the end of the pavement. To facilitate the evacuation process, water taxis have been made available to transport individuals from the south end of the road out of harm's way.

While the search and rescue efforts on the ground have been temporarily paused, the City and Borough of Wrangell's local search and rescue team, in collaboration with the state troopers, local contractors, and various other agencies, is working persistently to clear debris and conduct a thorough search once conditions improve.

However, due to the hazardous and unstable nature of the site, a large-scale search and rescue operation cannot be conducted at this time. The Wrangell Police Department has been designated as the primary point of contact for any information regarding missing persons, and regular updates will be provided by the authorities as the situation develops.

In response to the tragedy, the Wrangell parks and recreation department has opened the community center and pool to the public, offering showers, a kitchen, and a warm, dry place for affected community members. The department's director, Lucy Robinson, expressed her condolences in a heartfelt Facebook post, stating, "Our hearts are heavy, and our thoughts are with those suffering due to last night's events."

The heavy rainfall in Wrangell over a three-day period, totaling approximately two and a half inches, has been cited as a contributing factor to the landslide. This area of southeast Alaska has previously experienced landslides triggered by significant precipitation, as reported by the Anchorage Daily News.

As the community grapples with this devastating event, the focus remains on the search and rescue efforts to locate any missing individuals and ensure the safety of the affected population.