A catastrophic landslide struck near Wrangell, Alaska, a remote island community, late on Monday, November 20, 2023.
The disaster occurred around 9 pm during a severe rainstorm, resulting in three confirmed fatalities and left three people, including two children and one adult, missing.
A girl was found dead in initial search efforts, while two adult bodies were later discovered by a drone operator. One woman, found alive amidst the wreckage, was rushed to the hospital and listed in good condition.
Wrangell, with a population of about 2,000 residents, is situated about 155 miles south of Juneau, Alaska’s state capital. The landslide, estimated to be about 500 feet wide, occurred along the Zimovia Highway, about 11 miles from Wrangell. This highway runs south from Wrangell between the mountains and the ocean, and the slide demolished three homes along its path.
Local emergency alerts and social media posts revealed that Wrangell received just over three inches of rain during a 24-hour period beginning early Monday morning, substantially exceeding the region’s daily norm. This intense rainfall likely contributed to the instability of the mountainside soil, triggering the landslide.
The rescue efforts initially faced interruptions due to safety concerns and the risk of further landslides. Troopers suspended ground search efforts until a state geologist assessed the area’s safety. The search resumed after parts of the landslide area were declared stable, but the threat of additional landslides, exacerbated by the forecast of more rain, remained a concern.
Local response teams, including Alaska Wildlife Troopers, Wrangell Police Department, Fire Department, Search and Rescue, the U.S. Forest Service, and the Coast Guard, were among the first responders. The U.S. Coast Guard also provided assistance with a 154-foot cutter, Bailey Barco, and a helicopter for aerial search and site assessment.
The Zimovia Highway was closed to the public past the 6-mile Old Sawmill site, except for local access. The landslide also caused a power outage, affecting an unknown number of homes past the 9-mile mark on the highway.
Local officials recommended evacuation for residents living near the landslide, with water taxis available for transport.
Area businesses and organizations, including Harbor Light Church and the Stikine Inn, offered food and lodging to those displaced by the landslide. Wrangell Parks & Recreation opened its doors to the community at no charge.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a verbal disaster declaration for Wrangell. This will enable individual assistance for affected residents and public assistance for infrastructure repair.
