At least three people are dead as search and recovery crews continue to scour through debris from a landslide that impacted properties outside of Wrangell, Alaska, on Monday.
Alaska’s Department of Public Safety reports that the incident occurred on the Zimovia Highway about 11 miles south of Wrangell, in southeast Alaska.
First responders reported that the ground is still unstable and could cause further movement.
The Coast Guard reported that three people may still be missing.
Three homes are believed to have been damaged by the flow of rocks and debris along Zimovia Highway.
“A drone operator found two dead adults this afternoon in the slide area. This evening, the bodies were recovered. Troopers believe two juveniles, and one adult, are still missing in the slide area at this time,” the Department of Public Safety stated in a press release.
In the days leading up to the Wrangell landslide, heavy precipitation fell over southeast Alaska. This was likely the cause of additional events in Hydaburg Ketchikan, and Klawock.
Wind gusts of over 100 mph caused blizzard-like conditions on the Southeast coast.
In a press release, Captain Darwin Jensen of Coast Guard Sector Southeast Alaska said that the collaborative efforts of the various organizations involved in this disaster’s response efforts reflect the Alaskans’ willingness to come together in times of crisis. We extend our condolences and continue the search for those missing to all who were involved in this tragic tragedy.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy announced that he declared a disaster for Wrangell when he heard about the damage.
The U.S. Forest Service reports thousands of landslides in Southeast Alaska.
Forecasts for the Gulf of Alaska show that the region will continue to be stormy, with heavy rainfall, which is likely to keep the risk of mudslides, and landslides, high.
Hey northern Panhandle! How much snow have you received? Check out the amounts from our office along the back loop here in Juneau! #akwx pic.twitter.com/SYYSJSwigF
— NWS Juneau (@NWSJuneau) November 20, 2023
