Glacial Dam Burst Triggers Devastating Alaska Flood, Threatening Millions Worldwide
JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Over the weekend, a glacial dam in Juneau, Alaska burst, leading to a catastrophic flood that has put millions of people worldwide at risk. The forceful rushing waters of the Mendenhall River swept away homes and buildings, leaving destruction in their wake. This natural disaster, known as a jökuhlaup, is caused by the bursting of snow-and-ice dams and poses a significant threat to vulnerable areas worldwide.
The floodwaters caused the collapse of a gray two-story home and wreaked havoc on a neighboring condominium building, which precariously teetered on the edge of the river bank due to erosion. Witnesses describe the alarming sight of trees being swept away as the floodwaters surged, causing concern for the safety of the residents.
The flooding originated from a side basin of the magnificent Mendenhall Glacier, which acts as a barrier, collecting rain and melted snow during the warmer months. Eventually, the water released from under the glacier poured into Mendenhall Lake and flowed down the Mendenhall River.
While sporadic flooding from the basin has been observed since 2011, the recent event was unprecedented due to the speed at which the water gushed, surpassing previous records. Researchers had placed sensors to study these glacial outbursts, but the powerful floodwaters washed them away.
Deputy City Manager Robert Barr reported that two homes were completely lost, while a third sustained partial damage. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or fatalities. The flood has also led to the condemnation of eight buildings, including those that fell into the water. Some of these structures may be salvageable through extensive repairs or bank stabilization.
Scientists assert that while climate change contributes to the melting of glaciers like the Mendenhall worldwide, the relationship between climate change and glacial floods is complex. The Suicide Glacier, once a source of ice for the Mendenhall Glacier, has receded due to warming temperatures, creating a lake in the basin dammed by the Mendenhall. However, the unpredictable nature of these glacial floods bursting through ice dams is not solely caused by climate change.
According to a study published in Nature Communications, more than half of the 15 million individuals worldwide at risk from glacial outburst floods are concentrated in India, Pakistan, Peru, and China. These devastating floods have historically caused immense damage and loss of life. In 1941, a glacial outburst flood in Peru claimed the lives of up to 6,000 people. A similar event occurred in 2020 in British Columbia, Canada, resulting in a surge of water reaching a height of approximately 330 feet (100 meters), fortunately without causing any casualties.
The Mendenhall River area is highly susceptible to erosion due to the loose glacial deposits that make up the surrounding ground. The damage caused by this flood could have been even more severe if heavy rains had coincided with the event. For residents like Chris and Bob Winter, who built their house near the Mendenhall River in 1981, the flood has caused significant upheaval. Their home, which previously flooded in 2014, experienced further damage due to the recent event, leaving them uncertain about the future and considering a potential move south.
Glacial outburst floods pose a complex challenge for preparation due to their variability in timing and volume. This unpredictability makes it challenging to develop effective preventive measures against such disasters.
In conclusion, the glacial dam burst in Juneau, Alaska has unleashed a devastating flood that threatens millions worldwide. While climate change plays a role in the melting of glaciers like the Mendenhall, the occurrence of glacial floods is a complex phenomenon influenced by various factors. The recent flood serves as a reminder of the need for continued research and preparedness in vulnerable regions to mitigate the impact of these natural disasters.
