1 Dead, ‘Multiple’ People Presumed Missing After ‘Large’ Landslide Slams Into Homes in Alaska

Residents near the site of Monday’s landslide have been ordered to evacuate as “additional landslides are possible within the area,” according to state troopers

At least one person has died, and “multiple” people are presumed missing after a landslide slammed into numerous homes in Alaska on Monday, according to local authorities.

The “large” landslide took place at mile 11 on the Zimovia Highway in Wrangell just before 9 p.m. local time, according to a news release from Alaska State Police.

Three single-family homes “were directly in the path of the landslide,” troopers said. One person has been found dead as crews comb the area.

“Multiple” people who were supposedly in the slide area are believed to be missing as well. Officials have not released an official number of missing persons.

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More than two inches of rain fell in Wrangell in the days leading up to the landslide, according to a report from the National Weather Service.

According to the Anchorage Daily News, transportation officials estimated the slide to be 450 feet wide where it crossed the road, with an extensive debris field.

Several surrounding homes lost power as a result of the landslide, Wrangell’s public radio station KSTK reported.

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Residents near the site of Monday’s landslide have been ordered to evacuate as “additional landslides are possible within the area,” troopers said in Tuesday’s release.

Water taxis have been made available for those looking to evacuate, with Zimovia Highway closed to traffic south of mile 6.

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Meanwhile, a geologist from southeast Alaska is surveying the area impacted by the slide to assess its safety, according to state police.

Governor Mike Dunleavy announced on Facebook that he “verbally issued a disaster declaration for Wrangell” following Monday night’s landslide.

“Rose and I are heartbroken by this disaster,” he said in his post, “and we pray for the safety of all those on site and offer all the resources our state has available.”

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