Melting glaciers in Alaska are leading to significant flooding in cities like Juneau. The Mendenhall Glacier has created a natural dam, which, when breached, caused local officials to evacuate residents. Although flooding has occurred previously, the preparedness of city officials helped minimize damage compared to past incidents. Average yearly temperatures in Alaska have increased significantly, leading to accelerated glacier melting and potentially severe flooding risks for millions globally due to similar glacial lake outbursts. The situation poses a worrying forecast for the future of the Alaskan landscape.
The Mendenhall Glacier, a vast field of ice and snow that sits north of the city in a valley, has created a natural lake that is dammed by ice.
The state has warmed faster than the rest of the country, with average yearly temperatures increasing by an astonishing 3.1 degrees Fahrenheit.
Researchers have shown that anywhere between ten to 15 million people around the world could be exposed to similar glacial lake outbursts.
If it weren't for them, we would have hundreds and hundreds of flooded homes, said city manager Katie Koester at a news conference.
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