On Monday afternoon, the Mat-Su Borough held a press conference on the status of flooding on Willow Creek.
Borough Emergency Services Director Ken Barkley says five homes have reported water damage as a result of the flood, which began a week ago when an ice dam formed at the Deneki Bridge. Emergency responders and work crews have been working long hours in the area ever since to assist those living behind the flooded area. Barkley says multiple supply and food runs have been made for residents in the affected area, mostly during the brief daylight hours.
While Barkley says life safety is the current top priority, work is underway to reopen roads impacted by the flood. Heavy equipment is in the area, and officials ask that private vehicles be kept off of the affected roads. Barkley says in at least one instance, previous work was partially undone by tire tracks. Supply runs are being made with amphibious all-terrain vehicles and inflatable boats.
The last few days has seen a fifty-degree temperature swing in Willow, from twenty degrees below zero to thirty degrees above. Barkley says that means two vehicles that had been stuck in solid ice now have water flowing around them. Efforts are currently underway to retrieve those vehicles.
The American Red Cross has set up a shelter at the Willow Community Center for residents who have evacuated. The borough encourages anyone needing assistance as a result of the flooding to call 907-355-9819.
