Emergency Declaration Issued in Juneau, Alaska as Glacier Lake Outburst Flood Causes Destruction
Juneau, Alaska – City officials in Juneau, Alaska, have issued an emergency declaration as a glacier lake outburst flood wreaks havoc near the city, resulting in the destruction of several structures. The flooding is a result of a break on Suicide Basin, a side basin on the Mendenhall Glacier, located about 12 miles north of Alaska’s state capital. Glacial lake outburst floods occur when a dam containing a glacial lake breaks.
According to the National Weather Service, the flooding has caused significant damage along the Mendenhall River. Two homes have been lost, and another has been partially damaged and washed away. Additionally, a condo building has been significantly undermined, putting it at risk. The river is currently littered with trees and debris, and the NWS has described the flooding as an “extreme” event.
National Weather Service Juneau hydrologist Aaron Jacobs expressed surprise at the severity of the flooding, stating, “We didn’t even think that this was possible.” On the FEMA scale, there was less than a 1% chance of such a level of flooding occurring.
Videos captured by residents show the collapse of a multi-story structure into the Mendenhall River. Sam Nolan, a witness to the event, described it as a sad sight, saying, “It was really sad to see, but all we could do was stand there and watch.” Other videos show debris and trees floating in the river near Juneau International Airport.
The Mendenhall Lake level reached a record high of 14.97 feet on Saturday, surpassing the previous record of 11.99 feet in July 2016. Areas that have not previously experienced flooding reported significant damage, and there has been substantial erosion along the riverbanks.
While the waters have been receding at a rapid pace of 0.7 feet per hour, the flooding is still ongoing. As a result, several roads, including bridges, have been closed in the region. City emergency operations have urged residents to stay away from the river for the duration of the flood event.
Suicide Basin has been releasing glacier lake outburst floods since 2011, causing inundation along Mendenhall Lake and Mendenhall River, according to the National Weather Service. A study published in Nature Climate Change in 2021 found that the risk of flooding from melted glaciers is expected to increase as the climate warms.
The city of Juneau is now grappling with the aftermath of this devastating flood, and officials are working to assess the damage and provide support to affected residents.
What measures are being taken by city officials in Juneau to assist residents who have been completely destroyed by the floodwaters?
Completely destroyed by the floodwaters. Several roads and bridges in the area have also been washed out, making transportation difficult for residents.
The glacier lake outburst flood is believed to have been triggered by the rapid melting of the Mendenhall Glacier due to rising temperatures. As temperatures increase, glaciers around the world are melting at an alarming rate, leading to the formation of unstable glacial lakes. These lakes are held back by natural dams made of ice and debris, but when these dams collapse, they release a large volume of water, causing devastating floods downstream.
City officials in Juneau are working quickly to assess the damage and provide assistance to affected residents. The emergency declaration allows for additional resources to be allocated to help with search and rescue efforts, as well as the cleanup and reconstruction process. The Red Cross has set up temporary shelters for those displaced by the flood, offering them a safe place to stay while they figure out their next steps.
Local authorities are urging residents to stay away from the affected areas and to avoid unnecessary travel. The floodwaters have created dangerous conditions, with fast-moving water and unstable ground, making it risky for individuals to navigate the area. Efforts are underway to secure the damaged structures and stabilize the land to prevent further destruction.
As climate change continues to accelerate, events like glacier lake outburst floods are becoming more frequent and severe. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and its impact on our environment.-ArticleEnd
This is truly heartbreaking, my thoughts go out to everyone affected in Juneau. Stay strong and united during this difficult time.