A fatality and two missing individuals have been reported in western Alaska following the aftermath of Typhoon Halong, which brought destructive hurricane-force winds, storm surges, and flooding over the weekend. Authorities disclosed that more than 50 people have been rescued, with some being retrieved from rooftops. Officials emphasized the necessity for ongoing assistance to aid the most severely impacted communities during the extensive recovery process.
Describing the situation as “absolute devastation,” U.S. Coast Guard official Capt. Christopher Culpepper highlighted the dire conditions in the villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. Alaska State Troopers confirmed the rescue of at least 51 individuals and two dogs in these areas, which suffered significant storm surges as per the National Weather Service.
In Kwigillingok, a woman was found deceased, while two individuals are still unaccounted for. Although initial reports suggested missing persons in Kipnuk, troopers later confirmed that all residents were safe. Coastal Villages Region Fund, a non-profit organization, mentioned that most residents sought refuge in local schools.
Kwigillingok, a community with a population of around 380 people, located on the western shore of Kuskokwim Bay near the mouth of the Kuskokwim River, is particularly vulnerable to flooding due to its low-lying geography. A 2022 report by the Alaska Institute for Justice, prepared for local Indigenous residents, highlighted the increasing frequency and severity of floods in the region, emphasizing the urgent need for community relocation.
Residents in the affected region, including Kwigillingok and Napakiak, faced challenges such as power outages, lack of running water, spoiled subsistence foods, and damage to home-heating systems. Jamie Jenkins from Napakiak described the storm as unprecedented in her experience, with strong winds and rapidly rising waters prompting residents to seek safety in communal shelters.
Adaline Pete from Kotlik recounted the powerful winds that caused property damage in her community, underscoring the importance of climate resilience efforts. Alaska’s U.S. senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, expressed commitment to securing climate resilience and infrastructure funding for the state, acknowledging the urgent need for mitigation projects in light of increasing storm intensity and frequency.
Climate change impacts, including erosion and melting permafrost, pose significant threats to Alaska’s infrastructure and communities, necessitating proactive measures for resilience and adaptation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s decision to discontinue a disaster risk mitigation program has raised concerns, with officials emphasizing the pressing need for timely action to address climate-related challenges.
