We wait and hope that nothing worse happens. Some of the people that we thought to be missing have been located, so that’s good. Two young people we love are still missing. The house they lived in was destroyed in the Beach Road slide. Coast Guard and search and rescue teams were busy all day, but the ground in the area is too unstable to be on it, so they are looking from air and sea. There is debris on the beaches and people are walking them, looking, hoping. The beach by our house is on the opposite side of the peninsula, so is not one of them. I did walk it with friends this morning, and the fresh air,and the talking in person, made us feel better.
So many people are helping. I even have a new task from the borough, pairing emergency volunteers with people that need assistance. I have been busy and will be busier, and that’s good. Helping helps.
The Governor declared a disaster area. Friends in the slide area at Lutak texted that they are safe. A house was wrecked by a slide but it was not occupied. Another was damaged and the people sleeping in it are okay. Or as okay as any of us are now.
The latest report from Mayor Doug Olerud on KHNS at 4 o’clock also included the news that there is limited road access to the ferry terminal, airport and fuel and barge dock and up Young Road by my daughter’s house, but he asked that only emergency vehicles and essential traffic use the rough lanes right now. There is much to do still, and speed matters as more rain and snow are in the forecast and they need to make all kinds of repairs before it freezes. The town water is working again, and the light plant is returning to hydro-power and turning off the auxillary generator fueled by precious diesel. Things are improving, but he cautioned us to stay vigilant. The ground is still saturated from 8-10 inches of rain and feet of melting snow. The Mayor reminded us that we are in two emergencies, Covid and a natural disaster. The helpers from out of town are being told to follow local protocols, and being reminded that Haines is Covid free. He asked us all to be mindful.
One worry- he said there is concern about a potential, large landslide at the end of the Lutak spur road, past the houses and across the bay a little ways, that could throw a tsunami on that neighborhood. Everyone out there knows more than I do, and I assume they will do what needs to be done. Some friends have decided to wait it out at the Aspen Hotel and took advantage of the partially open road to get there.
My sister decided that getting Dad here to stay with me was essential. It is. I feel much better.
So many of you from far away are caring for us in your thoughts and prayers, notes and donations, and it sounds crazy, but I can feel it. I bet we all can. I even think that your love is helping us get over some of our recent battles and old grudges, and reminding us how much we have in common, how much we care about each other, and this place, and how terrible we feel when anyone here is in trouble– and how good it feels to help.
As ever, KHNS radio news has updates on-line and in newscasts and hourly (and more) notices and announcements.
Stay safe.
Take care of each other.
Hope.
