Juneau Glacier Flood Devastates 100 Homes: Water Levels Surge to 16 Feet

A glacier flood severely damaged over 100 homes in Juneau, Alaska, after water levels surged to 16 feet. The flooding started on Monday when the Mendenhall Glacier released a large amount of water. By Tuesday, the situation worsened, but as of Wednesday, no injuries were reported in the city of about 31,000 people.

The flooding began when the Suicide Basin of the glacier peaked on August 1, following a month of heavy rain. The water from Mendenhall Lake rapidly flowed into the Mendenhall River, leading to evacuation warnings on Monday. Officials noted that the lake’s water levels dropped significantly between Monday and Tuesday.

Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster emergency on Tuesday to boost response efforts and help repair damaged infrastructure. He praised emergency responders for their work and directed state agencies to assist the community.

Since 2011, Alaska has seen more glacier outburst floods, partly due to climate change, according to Eran Hood, an environmental science professor. Rising global temperatures are accelerating glacier melt, contributing to sea-level rise.

A recent study revealed that glacier loss in Alaska’s icefields is accelerating faster than previously thought. This rapid melting is a significant factor in rising sea levels, affecting coastal areas worldwide.

Juneau also faced destructive flooding last August, which led to the collapse of at least two homes. This year’s flood was even more severe, with water levels exceeding those of last year’s event.

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