Stories From the Eagle Flood

Series produced by Jesse Dukes

Caption: Eagle residents view the 2009 devesation and confront one another. , Credit: Ross McDermott
Image by: Ross McDermott 
Eagle residents view the 2009 devesation and confront one another.  

In the spring of 2009, record flooding devastated the bush communities of Eagle and Eagle Village in Alaska. This series captures firsthand accounts of residents affected by the flooding.

Every year, the a solid layer of ice forms on the great Yukon River in Alaska and Canada. Every spring, warming temperatures cause the ice to break up. This always causes some dramatic scenes and flooding. In 2009, the floods were devastating, nearly wiping out several communities including the small towns of Eagle and Eagle Village. This project documents the stories of Eagle Residents who lost their home or had to flee the rising waters.


5 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
Caption: Don Mann's home shortly after ther 2009 floods., Credit: Sam Harrel
Don Mann lost his dream retirement home in the 2009 Eagle Floods, and without his quick acting neighbors, he may have lost everything.

  • Added: Sep 07, 2012
  • Length: 04:43
Caption: Eagle residents view the 2009 devesation and confront one another. , Credit: Ross McDermott
Mark Malcolm lived in Eagle Alaska.

  • Added: Sep 07, 2012
  • Length: 03:33
Caption: Eagle residents view the 2009 devesation and confront one another. , Credit: Ross McDermott
Bertha Ulvi is an elder of the Han or Hungwitchin people in Eagle Village. She is one of dozens who still speak the Hungwitchin language. In 2009, ...

  • Added: Sep 07, 2012
  • Length: 02:10
Caption: Eagle residents view the 2009 devesation and confront one another. , Credit: Ross McDermott
Stacey Pare had to run to escape rising waters during the 2009 Eagle Floods. She and her partner Slana Waller made it to safety, and she began work...

  • Added: Sep 07, 2012
  • Length: 03:02
Caption: Eagle residents view the 2009 devesation and confront one another. , Credit: Ross McDermott
Nick Turner lost his house in the 2009 flood. Although it was a big slow, he immediately got to work salvaging what he could and eventually rebuild...

  • Added: Sep 07, 2012
  • Length: 02:24