WRANGELL, ALASKA (November 26, 2023) – The death toll from a landslide that struck Wrangell, Alaska on Friday has risen to four, with two people still missing. Crews recovered the body of an 11-year-old girl from the debris Saturday evening.
The landslide occurred at approximately 1:30 p.m. PST on Friday, sending a torrent of mud and debris down a hillside onto several homes. Five family members and a commercial fisherman neighbor were initially reported as missing.
In addition to the four confirmed fatalities, two people remain unaccounted for. Search and rescue operations are ongoing, but conditions are hazardous due to the unstable landslide debris and the risk of further mudslides.
The landslide has also caused significant damage to homes and infrastructure in the area. Several roads have been closed, and power outages are affecting hundreds of residents.
The cause of the landslide is still under investigation, but heavy rains are believed to have been a contributing factor. The Wrangell area has received over 10 inches of rain in the past week.
Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a state of emergency for the region and has activated the Alaska National Guard to assist with response efforts.
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Please stay tuned to AlaskaBreakingNews for the latest updates on this developing story.