Bursting ice dam in Alaska highlights risks of glacial flooding around the globe

By BECKY BOHRER and MARK THIESSEN
Associated Press

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The destruction that resulted from a glacial dam bursting in Alaska’s capital highlights the danger such flooding poses around the world. Authorities say several homes, including two condo buildings, have been condemned after the levels of the Mendenhall River in Juneau rose to unprecedented levels. Two homes fell into the river completely Saturday after an ice dam on the Mendenhall Glacier gave way, sending torrents of water downstream. Researchers say such glacial floods could threaten about 15 million people around the world.