Unprecedented glacial flooding wreaks havoc in Alaska’s capital city
Over the weekend, Juneau, the capital city of Alaska, experienced unprecedented glacial flooding that swept away two homes and caused severe damage to others. The flooding, which is directly tied to a specific glacial phenomenon, has raised concerns about the safety of the city.
No injuries have been reported so far, but floodwaters have taken part of a third home and caused significant undermining damage to a condominium building, according to Juneau Deputy City Manager Robert Barr. The flooding is a result of the water surrounding the 3,000-year-old Mendenhall Glacier, a popular tourist attraction, now threatening the city.
While flooding from the glacier has been occurring every summer since 2011, this weekend’s overflow broke previous water level records by nearly three feet. National Weather Service meteorologist Andrew Park described the situation as “pretty devastating for the community” and stated that it exceeded their expectations.
The flooding is caused by a basin above the Mendenhall Glacier, which creates enough pressure to push water through the glacier and into Mendenhall Lake. This phenomenon was first observed in 2011 when meteorologists and hydrologists were puzzled by the rushing river despite the absence of rain. Since then, scientists have been studying the basin to monitor the annual releases, but this year’s flooding was historic.
The Mendenhall Lake gauge reached a level of 14.97 feet, surpassing the previous record of 11.99 feet set in July 2016. However, it remains unclear whether this phenomenon can be attributed to climate change. Park emphasized that it is still a recent phenomenon, and further investigation is needed.
While no weather event can be solely attributed to human influence, scientists have noted that the frequency of extreme weather events is increasing due to human-influenced climate change. This poses challenges for cities worldwide as they adapt to the new normal of extreme weather.
The flooding has affected dozens of homes, and there will likely be ripple effects from the disaster. Fuel tanks of homes that run on oil have been swept away, prompting the city to seek assistance from the Coast Guard and state environmental agencies to prevent any potential spills.
In response to the situation, city officials declared a local state of emergency on Sunday. Crews are now working to safeguard roads and bridges affected by the flooding. However, the severity of the flooding will remain a mystery until shortly before the waters come rushing, making it difficult for residents, scientists, and city leaders to prevent such events.
Juneau, with a population of about 32,500 residents, will have to grapple with the annual occurrence of flooding, which poses significant challenges for the community.
How can governments and communities improve their understanding and preparedness for glacial outburst floods in light of the increasing frequency and severity due to climate change
Normal flooding seen in the area.
The glacial flooding is caused by a phenomenon known as “glacial outburst floods,” or GLOFs. GLOFs occur when water builds up behind a glacial dam and is suddenly released, resulting in a rapid and powerful flood. This weekend, heavy rainfall combined with high temperatures caused the Mendenhall Glacier to melt at an unprecedented rate, leading to the overflow of water and subsequent flooding in Juneau.
The impacts of the flooding in Juneau have been significant. Two homes were completely swept away by the floodwaters, while others suffered severe damage. Images and videos shared on social media show cars submerged in water and buildings surrounded by floods. The flooding has also caused major infrastructure damage, with roads and bridges being washed away or left severely compromised.
As a popular tourist destination, Juneau relies heavily on the revenue generated by visitors. The glacial flooding has raised concerns about the safety of tourists and the long-term economic impact on the city. The flooding has also highlighted the need for greater understanding and preparedness for such glacial phenomena, as they are likely to become more frequent and severe due to climate change.
Local authorities and emergency services have been working around the clock to respond to the flooding and ensure the safety of residents and visitors. Evacuation orders have been issued for some areas, and emergency shelters have been set up to provide temporary housing for those affected by the floodwaters.
The glacial flooding in Juneau serves as a stark reminder of the far-reaching consequences of climate change. As temperatures continue to rise, glaciers around the world are melting at accelerated rates, leading to increased risks of glacial flooding in vulnerable areas. It is crucial for governments and communities to prioritize climate action and adaptation measures to protect lives, infrastructure, and economies from the impacts of such events.
This is a heartbreaking situation. My thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Alaska.