Alaska Governor Declares State of Disaster, Orders Evacuations After Ketchikan Landslide

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — Alaska’s governor has declared a state of disaster following a landslide that prompted an evacuation in the city of Ketchikan.

The landslide that occurred around 4 p.m. Sunday damaged homes and infrastructure in the town, which was receiving assistance from the State Emergency Operations Center, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy said in a statement.

“I have directed state agencies to provide all necessary resources and personnel to the response effort,” Dunleavy said.

No injuries were immediately reported.

Several homes were affected by the landslide and a mandatory evacuation was ordered for residents on Third Avenue and nearby streets, while a shelter was set up at Ketchikan High School, the Ketchikan Gateway Borough and the city of Ketchikan said in a joint statement Sunday.

A potential secondary landslide area was identified south of the initial landslide location and crews were on site, the statement said.

Several local and state agencies have responded. An emergency management and homeland security specialist and federal Department of Transportation employees are expected to travel to Ketchikan Monday, Dunleavy said.

The Ketchikan police and fire departments did not immediately respond to an email from The Associated Press seeking additional information.