Devastating Storm Hits Western Alaska: Key Insights and Impact

The remnants of Typhoon Halong have left a significant mark on Western Alaska, particularly impacting the villages of Kwigillingok and Kipnuk. On October 11, 2025, the storm made landfall, unleashing hurricane-force winds and unprecedented flooding across the region. As a result, thousands have been displaced, and local officials are scrambling to assess the damage.
Destruction and Displacement in Western Alaska
The storm caused immense destruction, uprooting homes and essential infrastructure. Reports indicate that utility poles were snapped, boardwalks were torn apart, and in some cases, homes detached from their foundations with families still inside. Tragically, one death has been confirmed, and two individuals remain missing.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
In light of the catastrophe, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy is advocating for a federal disaster declaration for the affected areas. The Alaska Emergency Operations Center is currently operating at its highest level of response. Over a thousand residents from various villages, including Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, have faced displacement.
Challenges of Evacuation
- Damage to local infrastructure has complicated evacuation efforts.
- Initially, displaced individuals sheltered in schools, but unsafe conditions forced officials to move them to emergency shelters.
- Bethel, a regional hub, reached capacity quickly, necessitating additional evacuations to Anchorage.
- Helicopters were utilized where runways were damaged, and U.S. Coast Guard crews conducted rescues.
Historical Connection to the Land
The villages of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta are traditional homelands of the Yup’ik people. Many residents are reluctant to leave their ancestral lands despite the destruction. Local leaders emphasize the strong ties communities have to their history, culture, and subsistence lifestyle.
The Impact on Subsistence Practices
The storm’s destruction has not only displaced residents but also disrupted traditional subsistence practices. Many have chosen to remain behind to salvage food sources such as moose and salmon. Reports of unearthed graves after the floodwaters receded have also surfaced, deepening the emotional toll on the affected communities.
Climate Change and Future Implications
Experts suggest that climate change is exacerbating the region’s vulnerability. Permafrost thawing is leading to increased erosion, prompting predictions that nearly 150 Alaskan communities may need to relocate in the coming years. The low elevation of the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta makes it particularly susceptible to flooding.
Moving Forward
Rebuilding efforts will pose significant challenges due to logistical complexities and high costs associated with transporting materials to remote areas. Immediate community support has emerged, with volunteer organizations coordinating relief efforts.
This disaster follows earlier flooding events in the region, highlighting the ongoing risks faced by Western Alaska. The communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok are at a critical juncture, requiring actionable support and resources to rebuild and recover from this devastating storm.