[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 30 (Thursday, February 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Page H648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                REMEMBERING THE CITY OF WRANGELL, ALASKA

  (Mrs. PELTOLA asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Mrs. PELTOLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mourn with the city of 
Wrangell, Alaska. At 9 p.m. on November 20, 2023, 37 acres of land 
descended on three houses at mile 11 of the Zimovia Highway in 
Wrangell. The landslide scattered everything, cutting off 55 homes and 
71 people from their community.
  Navigating wind, rain, and snapping trees, first responders went 
straight into the debris to find their neighbors.
  With no cell service, firefighters went door to door. Local fishing 
boats transported survivors back to the city.
  In the days following, the Coast Guard, State geologists, State 
troopers, and other public servants joined the search and rescue teams.
  Like Alaskans always do, the Wrangell community pulled together in 
the face of adversity. Christina Florschutz was rescued from the debris 
and, for that, Alaskans are grateful.
  Tragically, her husband, Otto, and the neighboring Heller family with 
three children aged 16, 12, and 11 did not survive.
  Their loss will forever change this small community, and it should 
remind us of our duty. From better monitoring systems to faster FEMA 
responses, Americans expect the Federal Government to be ready when 
disaster strikes.
  I hope that my colleagues will join me in making that a reality and 
remembering the story of Wrangell.

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