Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Saturday signed a disaster declaration for the storm that damaged communities in Southeast Alaska, the governor’s office announced.
Between Monday, Nov. 30, and Wednesday, Dec. 2, heavy rains and winds led to multiple landslides, flooded buildings, washed-out roads, interrupted power and knocked down trees. Damage was especially severe in Haines, where a landslide as large as two football fields struck the community, but more than 12 Southeast Alaska communities have reported damages, with some indicating the need for disaster recovery assistance, according to the governor’s office.
[State and local agencies respond to Haines]
The declaration, according to the governor’s office, activates the state’s public assistance program, which helps communities, governmental organizations and nonprofits to respond to damage caused by storms and landslides that washed out roads and destroyed homes in a region that stretches from Haines to Ketchikan.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy on Saturday signed a disaster declaration for the storm that damaged communities in Southeast Alaska, the governor’s office announced. (Courtesy Photo / Office of Gov. Mike Dunleavy)
Additionally, the Public Assistance Disaster Declaration will reimburse communities and agencies for eligible response costs associated with the disaster event, according to the governor’s office.
The State Emergency Operations Center is responding to emergency requests from Haines for increased search and rescue capabilities, sheltering support, geological technical experts and other requests.
“Haines and many other communities in Southeast are experiencing profound impacts due to this powerful storm. We are doing everything we can do to ensure that the communities have the resources they need to respond to this event,” Dunleavy said in a news release. “This is an ongoing response and we are focused on the immediate life, health, and safety needs of those impacted by the event. As we meet those critical needs, this Public Assistance Disaster Declaration will allow for a swift transition to repairing critical infrastructure.”
Read the full disaster declaration below:
• Contact the Juneau Empire newsroom at (907)308-4895.
