Alaska's Juneau orders evacuations as record glacier flood looms
11 days ago
- #alaska
- #climate-change
- #natural-disaster
- Juneau, Alaska's capital, faces record floodwaters due to glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF).
- Flooding from Mendenhall River expected to crest at over 16ft, threatening Mendenhall Valley.
- Authorities urge evacuations as emergency barriers are tested against rising waters.
- Climate change intensifies annual glacial floods, with Alaska warming twice as fast as the U.S. average.
- Mendenhall Glacier retreats 100-150 feet yearly, contributing to increased flooding risks.
- 2023 floods caused unprecedented erosion, damaging previously unaffected areas.
- Glacial outburst floods have become an annual concern, destroying homes and infrastructure.