World News – USA – UPDATE: House destroyed, people may go missing after landslide

Wednesday 2. December 2020, 5:57 p.m.

Haines, Alaska (AP) – A home is believed to have been destroyed and at least two people went unreported after multiple landslides in the Alaskan town of Haines on Wednesday.

The largest slide, about 600 feet wide, hit early Wednesday afternoon and trapped about 30 people. These residents have now been evacuated, Haines Mayor Douglas Olerud told The Associated Press.

He didn’t have a number for how many houses could have been damaged or destroyed.

He said it is still raining, making efforts difficult to get to some areas affected by slides and flooding. A flash flood warning will remain in effect until late Wednesday evening.

The pandemic poses social challenges for the evacuees. Provision areas for evacuees have been set up in the Legion Hall and in a Presbyterian church. Motels in the area are being contacted to find temporary accommodation, the Anchorage Alaskan news source reported.

According to Alaska State Troopers, efforts were under way to fly search and rescue teams in a helicopter from Juneau. The Coast Guard is also deploying forces from other ports in southeast Alaska to help.

« At this point, we know that damage has occurred in the town of Haines following reports of multiple landslides in the community, » said Capt. Stephen White, commander of the Coast Guard’s Juneau Sector, said in a statement. “The extent of the damage is currently unknown, but we are proactively moving multiple assets and personnel to provide assistance to local first responders and residents who may be affected by the landslides. ”

A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter crew was launched from Sitka to assist, and Coast Guard Cutters Liberty and Anacapa were instructed to make preparations to sail to Haines to provide additional assistance.

Olerud said the situation had moved so quickly that he could not provide a list of additional resources they may need.

« Prayers help. We can always accept prayers. They always work. We need a lot of them now, ”Olerud told the AP.

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – The Haines landslide has been classified as an extension of Beach Road.

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – Gov. . Mike Dunleavy and his team were briefed on the emergency response and immediate needs by local Haines officials tonight.

Ketchikan, Alaska (KINY) – Nine new cases of COVID-19 have been reported in Ketchikan. Six of the nine cases are symptomatic.

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – Several Southeast Alaska Coast Guard units are preparing to provide emergency relief to residents of Haines following multiple reports of mudslides in and around the city.

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – The Juneau Economic Development Council is working hard to implement the convention-approved business development program of $ 2 million ($ 3 million).

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – Capital City Fire Rescue responded to Juneau International Airport because of a reported small plane crash.

Juneau, Alaska (AP) – A recount of a State House race lost by Anchorage Republican Rep. Lance Pruitt is scheduled for Friday.

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – Light up Juneau for the holidays.

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – The City and County of Juneau Emergency Operations Center reports nine new residents with COVID-19 in Juneau.

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – Mudslides and flooding have caused damage to the city due to the record amount of recent rainfall.

Juneau, Alaska (KINY) – Alaska State Troopers and other agencies are based in Haines.

Hoonah, Alaska (KINY) – The city of Hoonah has experienced local street flooding for the past 24 hours due to heavy rainfall.

Winds come from the southeast at 26. 5 gusts to 38. 0 MPH (23 gusts to 33 KT). The pressure is 1001. 9 mb and the humidity is 80%.
The wind chill is 36.
Last updated on 2. December 2020, 6:53 p.m. AKST.

Alaska, Haines, landslide, Juneau, flood