Houston, we've got a problem.
It's official. We're a disaster area. The Fairbanks North Star Borough issued a disaster deceleration this morning. Citing damage to more than 500 homes, the Borough Assembly has requested emergency assistance from Governor Palin. The last time the Tanana River was this high was during the disastrous 1967 flood that devastated Fairbanks.
The resolution says "substantial damage is occurring due to high water and river current on the Tanana River, the Salcha River and the Chena River, resulting in damage to over 500 private residences with an estimated 1,000 inhabitants and to the road networks" maintained by the borough and the state.
They ain't just whistling Dixie folks. The creek is still rising. There are reports of heavy flooding in Salcha, some areas of North Pole, as well as Chena Pump Road and the lower Rosie Creek area. Although forecasters are saying the Chena and Tanana Rivers have crested, many folks who live along the river are saying just the opposite.
Several area roads remain impassable due to the flooding and it was announced this morning that the Alaska Railroad has canceled it's passenger service into and out of Fairbanks for the second straight day. Various areas were reported without power although Golden Valley is hard at work getting those folks back online.
The Red Cross is running evacuation shelters in elementary schools in Salcha and southwest Fairbanks. If you need assistance or would like to volunteer time, money, food or supplies, please call (907) 451-8267. Your help is greatly appreciated! Click the Red Cross logo to see how you can help.
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That is too bad, you are in our prayers. Good luck!