In a tragic incident that occurred earlier this week, a major landslide struck a residential area near the island community of Wrangell in southeast Alaska, claiming the lives of several family members and leaving others missing. The search and rescue operations have been ongoing throughout the week, with ground search teams, K-9 units, and heat-sensing drones being deployed to aid in the efforts.

Alaska authorities have identified the bodies of Timothy Heller, 44, Beth Heller, 36, and their 16-year-old daughter Mara Heller, who were recovered by search crews late on Monday or early on Tuesday. However, their other two children, 12-year-old Derek Heller and 11-year-old Kara Heller, as well as their neighbor Otto Florschutz, 65, are still missing. Mr. Florschutz's wife was fortunate enough to survive the devastating landslide.

The landslide, which occurred on Monday night, caused extensive damage as it tore down a wide swath of evergreen trees from near the top of a mountain down to the ocean. At least three homes were hit, and the landslide is estimated to be approximately 137 meters wide. The search crews initially found the body of Mara Heller on Monday night, followed by the discovery of her parents' bodies on Tuesday.

The Hellers were well-known in the community as they ran a construction company called Heller High Water. According to Tyla Nelson, who described herself as Beth Heller's best friend since high school, Beth and Timothy grew up in Wrangell and got married in August 2010. Ms. Nelson spoke highly of Beth, describing her as a "fantastic human" and a dedicated mother who did everything for her children. She also mentioned that Beth served on the Wrangell School Board and had previously been a part of the district's parent advisory committee.

Otto Florschutz, the missing neighbor, had previously served on Wrangell's Port Commission and made a bid for the congressional seat last year after the death of US Representative Don Young. Although he did not win the election, Mr. Florschutz was well-respected in the community and known for his ability to bring people together.

The aftermath of the landslide has left around 54 homes cut off from town, with approximately 35 to 45 people choosing to stay in the area despite the challenging circumstances. To assist these residents, boats have been used to provide essential supplies such as food, fuel, water, and prescription medications. Meanwhile, officials have been working tirelessly to clear debris from the roadway to restore access.

The landslide itself is classified as a "debris flow" and is a known threat in the steep slopes of southeastern Alaska, particularly during heavy rainfall. According to geologist Barrett Salisbury from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources, saturated soil combined with gusty winds toppling trees on slopes can trigger such devastating slides.

The loss of the Heller family and the missing neighbor, Otto Florschutz, has deeply affected the community of Wrangell. Wrangell School District Superintendent Bill Burr expressed his condolences and announced that counseling would be available to students and staff when school resumes after the Thanksgiving break.

As the search and rescue operations continue, the community remains hopeful for the safe return of the missing children and Otto Florschutz. The support and solidarity within the community and the efforts of the search teams demonstrate the resilience and determination of Wrangell in the face of this tragedy.