At Least Three Deaths Attributed to Landslide in Remote Area of Alaska

Posted: November 24, 2023 7:26 am

A pair of severe weather events this week in the western U.S. grabbed all of the headlines. Here is a look back at what you may have missed.

Alaska Landslide Claims at Least Three Lives

Three people were found dead in Alaska after a massive landslide rocked a remote area in the southeastern corner of the state on Monday. Included in the list of fatalities are two adults and one young girl.

The Alaska Department of Public Safety also confirmed that five other people are still missing after the landslide pushed across a highway. The severe weather event was reported on the Zimovia Highway near the town of Wrangell at about 9 pm local time on Monday.

Alaska’s Department of Transportation said that the landslide took out three homes in its path as it grew to about 450 feet. The deceased girl was found dead during the first sweep by rescue crews late Monday. Remains of the two adults were found by a drone operator on Tuesday.

While one woman was rescued from the impact zone early Tuesday, officials still believe that at least one adult and two more children are missing. The search effort was paused on Tuesday due to unstable ground concerns. A team of geologists was sent to Wrangell to conduct testing on the stability of the ground and provide direction.

Local officials estimate that up to 30 people have been displaced from their homes by the landslide and its significant debris field.

Meteorologists are blaming the landslide on the particularly wet conditions over the last several days. Over three inches of rain fell in and around Wrangell in the 24 hours before the landslide.

In addition, high winds on Monday evening could have also triggered the landslide. Winds in the range of 61 to 87 mph were recorded just prior to the landslide.

The Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Survey detailed this part of the state is no stranger to debris flows. The heavy rain in the days before the event exacerbated this risk.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has declared a state of disaster declaration in Wrangell in an effort to free up resources. People are being urged to stay away from the slide area.

High Winds Take Down Pole at Disneyland, Injuring Three People

Meanwhile, the happiest place on Earth was not quite as happy on Monday after strong winds brought down a light pole in the Disneyland Park in Anaheim, California. One park goer was taken to a local hospital with serious injuries and two more people were treated and released with minor injuries after a light pole collapsed at the popular Southern California theme park.

Anaheim Fire and Rescue was called to the Main Street hub at Disneyland around 8:30 am local time. The incident is being attributed to strong winds in the area. The National Weather Service had issued a wind advisory early that day for parts of Orange County, warning that winds would range between 30 to 40 mph with some gusts topping 65 mph.

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