‘We’ve given up half our home’: Major floods on the rise in Juneau, Alaska

Skip to content (Image credit: Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities via AP) Transcript: Malachi Thorington and his partner Elizabeth Figus have seen their home in Juneau, Alaska, flood in each of the past few summers. Thorington: “We get flooded every year. We’ve given up half of our home, but we can live in the second story with some level of comfort.” These floods are a consequence of climate change. As nearby glaciers melt, water collects and forms a lake high up in the mountains. Typically, that water is held back by one of the glaciers. But when the water level rises high enough – like it has in recent summers – billions of gallons can burst through and rush down into Juneau. This phenomenon first caused minor flooding 15 years ago but has caused major floods in recent years. Officials have put up some protections in the area, like a temporary flood barrier, but Thorington’s street is still vulnerable. So to address the problem long-term, residents, officials, and experts are now debating a variety of complex solutions, including a buyout for properties like Thorington’s. Because as long as the melting continues, flooding could wreak havoc in Juneau for years to come. Thorington: “And where our house is located, it could very easily undermine where our home is and wash it away.” Reporting credit: Ethan Freedman / ChavoBart Digital Media