Ketchikan Issues Disaster Declaration Following Landslide

Officials in Ketchikan have issued a joint disaster declaration after a landslide north of the city severely damaged a key electric substation. The landslide, which occurred on Thursday, did not result in any injuries but has raised concerns over the stability of critical utility infrastructure.

Details of the Landslide and Damage

The landslide, triggered by intense wind and rain, struck Ketchikan Public Utility’s Ward Cove Electric Substation. The slide caused extensive damage to buildings, equipment, and fencing at the facility. According to city officials, the estimated cost to repair the substation stands at approximately $1.6 million.

Disaster Declaration and Emergency Response

The joint declaration, issued by Ketchikan’s city and borough mayors, calls for coordinated recovery efforts at the local, state, and federal levels. The primary focus is on restoring the damaged electric substation and stabilizing the slope at the landslide site. Kim Simpson, public information officer for the City of Ketchikan, explained that stabilizing the area is vital to prevent additional slides and ensure timely equipment repairs before the onset of colder weather.

Public Utility Actions and Power Rerouting

In response to the damage, the public utility rerouted power through two other substations, preventing any power outages for residents. Simpson noted that the city and public utility do not have the financial capacity to handle the estimated repair costs independently. Consequently, the state has deployed emergency operations personnel and Department of Transportation geologists to the scene, to assess safety concerns and advise on slope stabilization measures.

Additional Storm Damage and Infrastructure Repair Needs

The same severe weather event also caused storm damage near the city harbormaster’s maintenance building, collapsing drainage pipes into the ocean and affecting infrastructure beneath the building. Simpson reported that the harbormaster building would need to be emptied and dismantled to address these repairs. As of now, there is no definitive cost estimate or timeline for restoring the harbormaster facility.

Ongoing Recovery and Previous Landslide Incidents

The Ketchikan city council and borough assembly will review and ratify the disaster declaration, with the added scope of the harbormaster building damages, within the week. The region has experienced several similar incidents in recent years, including a rockslide in 2025 that cut off access to the north side of the island and a destructive landslide in 2024 that resulted in loss of homes and a fatality.

Further updates on the disaster declaration and recovery efforts are expected in the coming days, as Ketchikan seeks state and federal assistance to mitigate the impacts of this latest landslide and strengthen its infrastructure against future events.

Source: ktoo.org.