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Remaining Kuskokwim Breakup Could be 'Uneventful'

May 12, 2011|by Channel 2 News Staff | Channel 2 News
  • In this photo provided by Alaska Homeland Security and Emergency Management, damaged homes are pictured on the Kuskokwim River, Wednesday, May 11th, 2011, in Crooked Creek.
Karl Edwards/ Homeland Security and Emergency Management

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — An ice jam on the Kuskokwim river that caused flooding in Crooked Creek, released Thursday and flood waters dropped significantly, according to a flood statement from the National Weather Service. The latest state situation report says if weather conditions remain as they've been the past few days, the rest of the ice break up on the Kuskokwim River should be uneventful.

A disaster response team arrived in Crooked Creek Thursday afternoon, where 53 residents have been evacuated to the nearby Donlin Creek Mine.

The team is bringing food, water, fuel, oil, and radios, for the 84 or so residents who stayed behind, and whose homes appear heavily damaged in photos provided by the state.

State emergency managers report there was no runway access at the airport Thursday morning, and that power was out across town.

State emergency officials said that along with helping individuals in the community of Crooked Creek, their focus will move downstream with the river, preparing communities like Aniak and Kalskag for possible flooding.

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"We're working two things simultaneously- the river watch, looking at the river and looking at what it can do and providing a warning downstream, and the disaster response team inside the community where we know there has been damage," said John Madden, director of Alaska Homeland Security.

A link has been set up on the Alaska Division of Homeland Security's website for people who would like to donate to the recovery efforts of Crooked Creek.

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