We are okay, but Haines is not. So that means no one really is, you know? We are like a family here.
People in flood/slide danger zones are staying in motels or with friends and family. There is currently an evacuation by boat of Lutak residents. “Shine a light to signal” the announcer on KHNS just said. The road is not passable. An unoccupied house was destroyed by a land slide there, and more are feared. You can’t get to the airport or the ferry terminal. The town water is being conserved. Fuel is too, to keep the power plant running, as the road to the tanks is cut off.
This is what’s left of Young Road and the sidewalk next to my daughter’s yard. My dad and sister and brother-in-law Norm are up in the big neighborhood on the other side, safe and warm, but no one is going anywhere.
Moments ago there was a huge slide on Beach Road. Chip felt it at the lumberyard, about a mile away. He just called. He says it’s not good. People may be missing. I hope he’s wrong. It’s getting dark and still more rain is coming. ( 7 inches and climbing…)
The mayor is now on the radio asking for volunteers who have mountaineering experiance to come to the fire hall asap to help with the search and rescue. Mayor Doug Olerud says boats are heading to the beach over there too, since the road is blocked by the slide, and to shine a light if you need help. The Presbyterian Church has opened as a shelter.
Oh dear God. Breathe.
I am scared. For my friends and neighbors and what is unfolding all across town. For what the night will bring. For what we will know tomorrow that we don’t know now. For the next week and month and winter.
I know, there are many helpers, that is good. Troopers, volunteers with boats, EMTs, heavy equipment operators– so many good people. You can help too. Stay safe if you are in Haines, and no matter where you are, if you are the praying type, could you please say a few ?
