A severe storm has devastated the villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok in western Alaska, prompting a mass evacuation. Approximately 1,000 residents had sought refuge in local schools following the storm. However, shelter conditions deteriorated, compelling officials to urge residents to leave before another storm arrives.
Evacuation Efforts Underway
Buggy Carl, the tribal administrator of Kipnuk, emphasized the urgency of the situation. He noted that the infrastructure in both communities is failing. Kwigillingok’s school struggled with non-functional toilets, and Kipnuk faced power and communication outages, compounded by dwindling fuel supplies for heating.
Damage Assessment
Nearly all homes in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok sustained significant damage. Carl reported that houses in Kipnuk were displaced, with one of his own family’s homes drifting half a mile during the storm. He described a terrifying experience of his family clinging together in their drifting house as they feared colliding with others.
Community Concerns
- Evacuees have expressed reluctance to leave, fearing the unknown.
- Being subsistence hunters, many feel a strong attachment to their homeland.
- Some residents hope to return and assist with recovery efforts.
Brea Paul, the tribal court administrator from Kwigillingok, shared that many families have already been evacuated to Bethel. She revealed uncertainty about their future housing conditions, highlighting the critical plight of those with damaged homes.
Relocation Details
The Alaska National Guard is coordinating the evacuation process. Initially, evacuees were brought to the Bethel Armory, but the facility reached full capacity quickly. On Wednesday, a C-17 transport plane was seen transporting around 300 evacuees to Anchorage.
Upon arrival at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, the evacuees will have access to resources for shelter, food, and medical care. As the situation in these western Alaska villages evolves, officials stress that immediate action is crucial to safeguard the remaining residents.
