Officials: 120 Homes Suffer $2M Damage in Flooding

Alaska officials estimate there’s been $2 million in damage to 120 homes from ongoing flooding problems in the Kalifornsky Beach area.

The Peninsula Clarion reports residents met with state officials Wednesday.

The area already was experiencing groundwater flooding before heavy rains last week, and water remains on about 6,000 acres. An official says there’s too much water for an immediate solution.

Proper owners asked state and federal officials to divert water before it freezes, causing further damage to homes.

They also want financial help. However, state emergency official Kerry Siefert says groundwater flooding doesn’t constitute a state disaster, but subsequent flooding might. A recommendation will be sent next week to Gov. Sean Parnell whether a disaster should be called.

Siefert says there’s no guarantee the governor will issue the declaration.