This Article is From Jan 11, 2012

Alaska town buried under six feet of snow

Alaska town buried under six feet of snow
Cordova, Alaska: Residents of an Alaska community are seeking outside help after an exceptionally harsh winter left it buried in snow.

Dozens of US National Guard members are helping the fishing town of Cordova dig out from mountains of snow that collapsed roofs, triggered avalanches and trapped some people in homes.

By one count, more than 10 feet of snow has fallen in the town of 2,000 in the last few weeks.

Emergency responders and local volunteers are trying to shovel out the buildings considered most at risk.

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This winter, almost 15 feet of snow has fallen on Cordova, with a series of bursts that ended with a rain drenching over the weekend that added substantial weight to the snow and slicked the landscape.

The town issued a disaster declaration on Friday, prompting the National Guard to send more than 70 troops on Sunday.

Heavy equipment, including a snow-melting machine, also arrived on Sunday to supplement local resources.

Some roofs have collapsed or partially caved-in under the wet snow that's at least six feet high on some buildings.

So far, no injuries have been reported.
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