Tragic Landslide in Alaska Claims Three Lives, Search Continues for Missing Persons
In a somber turn of events, a devastating landslide in southeast Alaska has resulted in the loss of three lives, including a young girl, with several others still missing. The natural disaster struck near the remote community of Wrangell on Monday night, engulfing three homes and leaving a trail of destruction along the Zimovia Highway.
Search and rescue operations launched immediately after the landslide was reported around 9 p.m. local time. Amidst the initial efforts, a girl's body was tragically discovered, with the subsequent recovery of two adults' remains by a drone operator the following day, as confirmed by the Alaska Department of Public Safety.
In a glimmer of hope amidst the tragedy, rescuers managed to save a woman from the slide area on Tuesday morning. However, the situation remains dire, with two juveniles and an adult still unaccounted for, intensifying the ongoing search and rescue mission led by state troopers.
The landslide's occurrence followed a period of heavy rainfall, with more than 3 inches recorded around Wrangell in the 24 hours preceding the disaster. Andy Park, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Juneau, noted that strong winds, reaching speeds of 61 to 87 mph, may have contributed to the landslide's severity.
In response to this catastrophic event, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a disaster in the Wrangell area. His office conveyed the declaration through a social media announcement, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Authorities have cautioned against entering the slide area, noting its continued activity through the night and the potential risk of further landslides. The Alaska Department of Transportation released an image on Facebook, showing the landslide's magnitude, estimated to be 450 feet wide with a substantial debris field.
As rescue efforts persist, the community reels from the impact of this natural calamity, and the state joins in mourning the lives lost. The search for the missing individuals continues, with hopes for their safe recovery amidst challenging conditions.