Recent remnants of Typhoon Halong have severely impacted Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, displacing over 1,500 residents from their homes. The storm, which struck on the weekend, brought intense wind and surf, wreaking havoc in the small, low-lying villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, located nearly 500 miles from Anchorage. The effects of the storm have been catastrophic, prompting an urgent response from local officials.
Community Displacement and Impact
At least one fatality has been reported, with two individuals still unaccounted for. The U.S. Coast Guard has assisted in evacuating around two dozen people whose homes were swept away. Many of the displaced individuals are currently taking refuge in school shelters, including one site lacking working toilets. Officials have indicated the need for longer-term emergency housing options in larger cities such as Bethel, Fairbanks, and Anchorage.
- Total Displaced: Over 1,500 residents
- Areas Affected: Kipnuk (population: 715) and Kwigillingok (population: 380)
- Distance from Anchorage: Approximately 500 miles (800 km)
- Evacuation Shelter: Bethel National Guard Armory
Conditions in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok
Kipnuk community leader Mark Roberts described the situation as “catastrophic.” Residents have witnessed alarming scenes, including homes floating away. Brea Paul, a Kipnuk resident, recounted how she saw multiple houses swept away Saturday night, highlighting the community’s difficult circumstances. While many families await evacuation, they are left contemplating their uncertain future.
Kwigillingok, about 30 miles away, faced its own tragedy, with the discovery of a deceased woman and ongoing searches for two missing men. Local facilities have struggled to accommodate the influx of displaced persons. The school, the only building with consistent power, has been used as a shelter, though it lacks proper sanitation facilities.
Ongoing Emergency Response
The Alaska National Guard has been mobilized to support recovery efforts. Initial assessments reveal severe damage across both villages, with nearly every home affected and many rendered uninhabitable. Officials are working to deliver essential supplies such as food, water, and generators to impacted areas.
As winter approaches, the urgency for rebuilding efforts grows. Local climate specialists emphasize the significance of additional resources, highlighting the resilience of Indigenous communities, but also the limitations they face amid extensive damage.
Typhoon Halong’s influence was reportedly intensified by warmer Pacific Ocean waters, which some experts attribute to human-caused climate change. This highlights an ongoing concern for future storm preparedness and community recovery strategies.
