Ketchikan officials coordinate emergency response after Wolf Point landslide

In a recent special meeting of the Ketchikan Gateway Borough Assembly, significant discussions centered around the emergency response to a landslide that occurred at Wolf Point on March 20. Fire Captain Neil Ryan provided an update on the coordinated efforts to manage the situation, highlighting the establishment of a unified command involving multiple agencies, including local borough officials, the city of Ketchikan, the Department of Transportation (DOT), and emergency services.

The emergency operations center (EOC) was activated promptly, allowing for effective communication and resource allocation among the involved parties. Captain Ryan noted that a local disaster declaration was signed by both mayors, facilitating a swift response to the crisis. Key measures implemented included a water shuttle system, temporary docking solutions, and emergency bus services to assist those affected by the landslide.

One of the primary concerns addressed was the potential separation of families due to the disruption caused by the landslide. Ryan reported that the community worked collaboratively to reunite families, ensuring that no one was left isolated from their children. This community effort was praised as a significant success in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

As for infrastructure, a temporary bypass has been constructed to facilitate traffic flow, with plans to expand it to a two-lane configuration by Wednesday morning. The current setup allows for one-lane traffic during specified hours, with safety measures in place to manage construction-related closures as needed.

The EOC is expected to remain operational until schools resume normal activities and bus services are fully restored. Following this, a gradual demobilization of the EOC will occur, transitioning responsibilities back to the DOT for ongoing construction efforts.

This meeting underscored the importance of community collaboration and effective emergency management in responding to natural disasters, reflecting the resilience of Ketchikan's residents in the face of adversity. As the situation develops, the borough assembly will continue to monitor the recovery efforts and ensure that the needs of the community are met.