Astoria residents are facing uncertainty following a landslide that prompted evacuations in the area on Monday. City officials have confirmed to KBND that eight properties have been affected, including five homes that have been evacuated near 27th Street and Grand Avenue in the Uppertown neighborhood. The landslide, covering just under five acres, has resulted in cracks appearing in the streets, with both natural gas and water services being shut off as a precautionary measure. The Red Cross has stepped in to assist the displaced residents with temporary housing.
The geological instability is not new to this Oregon coastal town, with the area being susceptible to landslides for decades. Residents have observed day-by-day deterioration of their surroundings. According to KOIN, one resident, Mckinley Erickson, described changes stating, "It's a bit snug in there. Our foundation relatively looks OK – a little different, but more or less good shape." Erickson hopes that the worst is now over. The landslide has been labeled as shallow and slow-moving but continues to pose risks to those residing on the hillside.
Recent wet weather conditions are believed to further exacerbate the situation. Deputy Fire Chief Brian McCarthy conveyed to KOIN that following a particularly wet Friday, water has begun to drain from the slide. "Once the activity of the landslide ceases, we will be able to bring the geologists back out to look at it to determine that kind of stuff then we will have some engineers come out to look at the homes to determine their habitability," he explained.
Meanwhile, the historical nature of the landslide, dating back to the 1950s, has prompted city officials to keep a close eye on the affected areas. As reported by NBC16, Astoria has been grappling with geological instability for over half a century, prompting special attention to these vulnerable areas. The concern is not only for residents' homes but also for essential infrastructure, with McCarthy revealing that water and sewer lines could become severely compromised if the slide were to continue to grow. The city maintains its vigilance as it seeks to ensure the safety of its citizens amidst these shifting grounds.
