Summary
People in Alaska are evacuating due to fears of severe flooding caused by a glacier melting near Juneau. The water levels in the river have risen to record heights, leading Alaska's governor to declare a state of disaster. This flooding has been a recurring problem in the area.
Key Facts
- Some residents in Alaska are leaving their homes due to potential flooding caused by the Mendenhall Glacier melting.
- The National Weather Service issued a flood warning as water flowed into the Mendenhall River.
- Water levels went from 9.85 feet on Tuesday to over 16 feet by Wednesday.
- This is considered a new record for the area.
- The melting glacier is located about 12 miles (19 kilometers) from Juneau.
- Glacial lake outbursts occur when a lake of meltwater drains rapidly, likened to unplugging a full bathtub.
- Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster due to the threat.
- Flooding in this region has been an annual issue since 2011.
