Landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska, Kills One

On August 25, 2024, a massive landslide struck downtown Ketchikan, Alaska, resulting in one fatality and three injuries, prompting mandatory evacuations and emergency declarations from local and state officials. The landslide, described as one of the most significant in recent memory, occurred around 4 p.m., damaging homes and infrastructure and leaving a trail of destruction. Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting the unprecedented scale of the slide in his 65 years in the city. In response, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy mobilized state resources to assist with recovery efforts, while residents from several streets, including Third Avenue and Water Street, were ordered to evacuate due to the threat of additional landslides. Emergency shelters were established, and crews remained on standby as concerns about a secondary landslide persisted. Power restoration efforts were underway, though some areas remained without electricity as cleanup continued.