Deadly Landslide in Ketchikan, AK

Around 4 pm. Sunday afternoon, a landslide struck the town of Ketchikan, AK killing one person and injuring 3 others. The threat of additional landslides remains a concern this week. Heavy rainfall impacted the region over the weekend, with 24-hour rainfall totals of 2-4 inches near sea level and up to 8 inches in the higher elevations surrounding Ketchikan.

Multiple homes were impacted by this slide, and residents in nearby neighborhoods were ordered to evacuate with a shelter set up at a local high school.

"In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude. With the slides we have seen across the region, there is clearly a region-wide issue that we need to try to understand with the support of our State geologist. The loss of life that we have encountered is heartbreaking, and my heart goes out to those who lost their homes.” – Mayor Dave Kiffer

Landslides are fairly unpredictable, but heavy rain in such a short period is a frequent culprit. As for the forecast, it remained damp on Monday, with a quiet Tuesday on deck, but another system is set to impact the area on Wednesday and more heavy rain could be possible, paired with gusting winds.