JACKSON, Wyo. (AP) - Jackson officials have ordered residents near an area of an unstable hillside to evacuate after geologists determined the land shifted deeper underground than previously thought.
The evacuation order issued Wednesday evening includes residents along Budge Drive, a nearby Walgreens store and commercial businesses in the Hillside Complex west of the downtown area. It’s unclear how many people are affected by the order.
Town officials say the Walgreens voluntarily closed because of the situation, and utilities have been shut off. Town Manager Bob McLaurin says the town is consulting with experts.
The Jackson Hole News & Guide reports (https://tinyurl.com/n38hxtc ) ground movement over the weekend caused water pipes to break at the town’s pump station, and visible fissures have formed in the hillside.
The town has been tracking geological activity on the butte for months, but movement appears to have increased.
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