WRANGELL, Alaska - A tragic landslide has claimed the life of one individual in Wrangell, Alaska. The incident occurred on Monday along the Zimovia Highway, approximately 11 miles south of Wrangell in southeast Alaska. Search and recovery teams are working tirelessly to find any missing individuals amidst the destruction caused by the landslide.

The sudden landslide caught residents off guard, with no prior warning signs. The unstable ground has heightened concerns among first responders, as there is a risk of further movement and hazardous terrain conditions.

Reports indicate that three homes were severely damaged by the flow of rocky debris along the Zimovia Highway. "During the hasty search, the body of one deceased individual was found. Multiple individuals who were present in the slide area at the time of the incident are believed to be missing," stated the Alaska Department of Public Safety.

Alaska has been grappling with extreme weather conditions, particularly a major winter storm that has battered communities around Anchorage. Significant snowfall of nearly 30 inches has been reported in the past week. The storm also brought heavy rain, leading to saturated soil and increased landslide risks.

In the days preceding the devastating landslide in Wrangell, southeast Alaska experienced heavy precipitation, triggering additional events in Hydaburg, Ketchikan, and Klawock. The region endured intense winds exceeding 100 mph, causing blizzard conditions and widespread power outages along the southeast coast.

The landslide near Wrangell struck after 9 p.m. on November 20, just south of Pat Creek Road. Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy promptly declared a state of disaster for Wrangell upon learning about the tragic incident, ensuring that necessary resources and assistance would be made available to the affected community.

Experts predict continued storminess and heavy bouts of precipitation in the Gulf of Alaska, which will likely maintain the risk of mudslides and landslides in the region. Safety measures have been heightened to address the ongoing threat and protect vulnerable areas from potential disaster.

As search efforts persist, the community of Wrangell, Alaska mourns the loss of a life and supports those who are still missing. The devastating landslide serves as a solemn reminder of the unpredictable forces of nature and the need for preparedness in vulnerable regions prone to landslides.