Six Still Missing Following Destructive Landslides in Alaska

Six people are still unaccounted for following major landslides in Southeast Alaska. The biggest one of all occurred yesterday afternoon. Heavy rainfall led to the incident which created nine feet of mud and trees to cover an area approximately 600 feet wide. About 30 people were trapped and at least four houses destroyed. By the time search and rescue crews were forced to suspend operations due to unstable ground, six people were still missing. They hope to resume work today, with the Coast Guard, mountain rescue personnel and medics joining them. The town’s mayor issued a declaration of emergency that effectively shut down the town following the severe weather. Flooding and snow has already caused several roads to become impassable. There was also significant infrastructure damage that included the deterioration and collapse of roads. Until this morning, a flash flood watch was in place and even more bad weather is expected to hit the area in the following days.