JUNEAU, Alaska - Evacuations are underway in parts of Alaska ’s capital of Juneau after a glacial outburst sent water rushing down the Mendenhall River and into communities across the region.
"A glacial outburst has occurred at Suicide Basin," officials said in a Facebook post . "The basin is releasing and flooding is expected along the Mendenhall Lake and River late Tuesday through Wednesday."
Officials have recommended that residents within the 17-foot lake level inundation zone evacuate the area until the water recedes and an "All Clear" message is sent via the wireless emergency alert system.
Officials said a Red Cross shelter was set up for residents at Floyd Dryden Gymnasium.
Facilities along the Mendenhall River, including the Mendenhall Valley Public Library,