Fatalities reported in massive landslide in Alaska
Multiple fatalities reported and numerous individuals missing as a massive landslide engulfs a highway near a secluded Alaskan community State authorities confirm at least one casualty, while search and rescue efforts continue Tragic incident unfolds in southeast Alaska
One person has been discovered dead and several others are suspected to be missing after a large landslide engulfed a highway near a remote community in southeast Alaska, according to a news release from the state's Department of Public Safety on Tuesday.
The landslide was reported at around 9 p.m. local time on Monday on the Zimovia Highway near Wrangell, where an initial examination by emergency responders revealed that it had struck three single-family homes in its path. While state troopers have taken charge of the search and rescue operations, ground search efforts are currently on hold until the slide can be evaluated for safety concerns by a geologist.
Recent days have been wet, which is typical for this time of year, but Sunday and Monday were particularly rainy. More than 3 inches of rain fell around Wrangell in the 24 hours leading up to the deadly landslide. Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has issued a disaster declaration in response to the situation, as posted on social media by his office.
The Alaska Department of Public Safety is warning people to stay away from the slide area, which has been active overnight and could experience more landslides. The Alaska Department of Transportation has posted a photo on Facebook showing a 450-foot-wide landslide with a large amount of debris.
CNN reached out to Alaskas Department of Public Safety for updates.
