Ketchikan Initiates Recovery Efforts Following Landslide Damage

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – Recovery operations are set to commence on Monday morning in Ketchikan, following a landslide that caused significant damage. A joint emergency declaration was issued on Friday by the City of Ketchikan and the Ketchikan Gateway Borough after the Ward Cove substation was impacted.

On Saturday, staff from the Harbormaster’s office found that heavy water flow had caused further damage behind the Harbormaster maintenance building, leading to part of the bank collapsing into the ocean. The underground storm drains are said to have contributed to undermining the parking lot. KPU electric crews managed to reroute power to customers by connecting them to the Bethe and Point Higgins substations. The estimated cost for repairs to the Ward Cove substation is projected to reach $1.59 million, surpassing the resources available to the city and KPU. Officials warned that the temporary power solution is not sustainable long-term and could jeopardize electrical service for vulnerable populations in the borough’s North Tongass Service Area.

Geologists from the Alaska Department of Transportation are anticipated to arrive on-site on Monday to evaluate safety issues and provide guidance on stabilization and mitigation strategies. Once a recovery plan is established, heavy machinery will start to clear debris around the substation. Work is expected to begin no earlier than Tuesday, and the public is advised against accessing the unstable site. Meanwhile, the Ketchikan Emergency Operations Center will officially open on Monday at the Ketchikan Fire Department to manage recovery efforts in response to the storm damage.