One person was confirmed dead, and three more were injured in a landslide in Ketchikan, Alaska. The landslide slammed into several homes in Ketchikan, and Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a state of emergency with mandatory evacuations in the impacted area.
Some Excursions Expected to be Suspended
One guest aboard the Carnival Panorama told Cruse Radio that it would impact cruise passengers in the town, with some excursions canceled. The ship was permitted to dock, and three others—the Royal Princess, Grand Princess, and HAL ship Zaandam—called at Ketchikan on Monday. Four more ships are expected to dock on Tuesday.
| “Our thoughts are with the people of Ketchikan impacted by this tragic landslide. Our cruise lines are working directly with the borough government on how we can best help as well as any changes we should make in our planned visits,” Carnival Corp said. |
So far, no specific changes to calls have been made. “All decisions will prioritize the safety of our guests and team members as well assuring we are not impeding any ongoing recovery or repair efforts in Ketchikan,” it added.
Local officials said four homes were significantly damaged, and several businesses were flooded. “In my 65 years in Ketchikan, I have never seen a slide of this magnitude,” said Ketchikan Mayor Dave Kiffer.
The landslide followed a weekend of rain, which itself followed an unseasonal spell of dry weather for most of August. As of Monday, some areas around Ketchikan were still without power.
“All state agencies are directed to provide whatever assistance is needed,” Governor Dunleavy posted on Facebook, as city officials identified ‘a potential secondary landslide area south of the original landside.’
Ketchikan is dubbed the salmon capital of the world and the gateway to the Inside Passage. It is popular with cruisers for wilderness float plane tours over the Misty Fjords National Monument and its Alaska Native culture. All major cruise lines call Ketchikan regularly.
In July, a landslide covered a highway, temporarily stranding cruise guests from their ships docked at Skagway.
