Evacuations are underway in parts of Alaska’s capital of Juneau after a glacial outburst sent water rushing down the Mendenhall River into areas in the region, which is expected to cause major flooding. The flooding is being caused by a “glacier-dammed lake outburst” (GLOF) which occurs when a lake dammed by ice or a glacial deposit gives way and releases heavy amounts of water into river systems further downstream. The city and borough of Juneau announced that it “is aware of the presence of water in certain areas” and that anyone within the flood zone of the Mendenhall River should evacuate the area. A Facebook post read: “A glacial outburst has occurred at Suicide Basin. Suicide Basin is a side basin of the Mendenhall Glacier above Juneau.