By John Q. Hosedrinker 
New sandbag-style barriers installed along the Mendenhall River in Juneau, Alaska, successfully mitigated severe flooding caused by an ice dam release from the nearby glacier. While water pooled in some areas, the barriers prevented widespread damage and significantly reduced the impact compared to the record-breaking floods of the previous two years. The city’s response involved installing approximately 10,000 “Hesco” barriers along the riverbank to protect over 460 properties. Outburst floods are expected to continue for the foreseeable future, emphasizing the need for long-term solutions.
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Floodwaters from a glacier near Alaska’s capital city, Juneau, are once again making headlines, and unfortunately, this time it’s a record-breaking event. This isn’t the first time the Mendenhall River has surged with glacial melt, but the levels reached this time have forced evacuations and caused significant concern for residents. It’s a stark reminder of the power of nature and the very real challenges posed by our changing climate. The fact that this is becoming an annual concern, a pattern, should give us all pause.
The unsettling thing is that we’re not just talking about a one-off event. Flooding from this basin has become an annual threat since 2011. In past years, the rising waters have already caused considerable damage, sweeping away houses and inundating hundreds of homes. The authorities have even installed temporary barriers this year in an attempt to shield several hundred homes within the flood zone. It’s a grim picture, and the proactive measures taken are a testament to the ongoing struggle to mitigate the risks.
The root of the problem lies with the smaller glacier near the iconic Mendenhall Glacier. This smaller glacier’s retreat, a clear consequence of a warming climate, has left behind a basin. This basin fills up with rainwater and snowmelt each spring and summer, and when it overflows, the consequences are severe. The water levels can rise quickly and unpredictably, turning peaceful areas into raging torrents in a matter of hours. This isn’t just about the inconvenience of flooding; it’s about the loss of homes, the displacement of people, and the potential for life-threatening situations.
There’s a firsthand account that really paints a picture of the situation. One person reported being at Mendenhall Glacier when authorities began shutting things down, closing a popular trail around 10 am local time. The air was filled with the unsettling buzz of emergency alerts on everyone’s phones. They described the scene as surreal, with everything underwater and the creeks and rivers overflowing their banks. Thankfully, this person was able to leave Juneau before the situation escalated further. It really highlights the suddenness and intensity of these events.
The comments around this disaster are a bit of a mixed bag and a stark reminder of how some people process and interpret information. There are a few who seem determined to weave political narratives into the tragedy, and frankly, it’s disheartening. The focus should be on the people affected and the efforts to help them, not on trying to score political points.
It is a fact that the majority of Juneau is liberal. However, the Mendenhall Valley, the area most affected by the flooding, has a reputation for being more conservative. This is an important distinction, as local opinions on climate change may vary based on political beliefs and experiences.
It’s also disheartening to see some resorting to denial or conspiracy theories, completely dismissing the reality of climate change and the role it plays in these events. The idea that this is “fake news” is frankly dangerous. The evidence is overwhelming, and the consequences are unfolding before our eyes. Flooding, like other natural disasters, doesn’t care about political affiliations or personal beliefs.
The other thing that is apparent is that people’s focus on what is going on should be on the severity and the urgency of these events. Ignoring the news, trusting in misinformation, and being angry at those telling the truth is not a solution.
It all comes down to understanding that climate change is real, and we are seeing its effects right now. The melting glaciers, the rising sea levels, the extreme weather events – they are all connected. We need to face the facts, acknowledge the challenges, and work together on solutions. The people of Juneau, and all those affected by similar disasters, deserve our support, our empathy, and our commitment to building a more sustainable future.