Alaska is currently undertaking its most significant airlift in history, moving hundreds from storm-ravaged coastal communities after Typhoon Halong brought unprecedented flooding. This crisis exposes not only the immediate dangers faced by remote indigenous villages but also the long-term impact of climate change and controversial federal grant cuts for disaster preparedness.
The remnants of Typhoon Halong unleashed a devastating storm on Alaska’s southwest coastal villages last weekend, triggering what officials describe as one of the most significant airlifts in the state’s history. Hundreds of residents are being evacuated from communities inundated by high surf and strong winds, highlighting the extreme vulnerability of remote areas to intensifying weather events.
The Immediate Catastrophe: Record Flooding and Mass Evacuation
The storm delivered record water levels, particularly to the low-lying communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok near the Bering Sea, where waters surged more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) above the highest normal tide line. Homes were washed away, some with people still inside, resulting in at least one confirmed death and two missing persons, as reported by the Associated Press via NY Post.
Approximately 1,500 people initially sought refuge in makeshift shelters. With villages often only accessible by air or water, the scale of destruction posed immense logistical challenges for responders. Initial search-and-rescue efforts are now transitioning to restoring basic services and relocating those whose homes are no longer safe to inhabit.
The Evacuation Effort and Looming Winter
The state’s emergency management office, led by incident commander Mark Roberts, is prioritizing immediate safety and care for residents. About 300 evacuees were flown 500 miles (805 kilometers) east to Anchorage, sheltering at the Alaska Airlines Center. Meanwhile, local hubs like Bethel quickly reached capacity, prompting authorities to seek additional sheltering options, aiming to transition people from communal shelters to hotels or dormitories.
The approaching Alaskan winter adds another layer of urgency to the crisis. Forecasters predict rain and snow, with temperatures soon dropping below freezing. Many homes are severely damaged, deemed unsafe for re-entry, and may not be livable by winter, according to emergency management officials. This timeline makes rebuilding before the harsh cold sets in nearly impossible and raises concerns about the loss of essential winter food stores like salmon and moose, a critical component of subsistence living for these predominantly indigenous communities.
Climate Change and Historical Vulnerability
The communities of Kipnuk (population 715) and Kwigillingok (population 380) are situated on the low-lying Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, a region known for its susceptibility to flooding and riverbank erosion. Kipnuk, for instance, has experienced at least 30 floods in the past 50 years. The ongoing thawing of permafrost further exacerbates erosion, undermining critical infrastructure and increasing the risk of disaster.
Residents have vivid accounts of the storm’s fury. Brea Paul of Kipnuk described seeing approximately 20 homes float past her in the moonlight, phone lights blinking from inside. Such experiences underscore the profound impact of these events on the human psyche and the fabric of community life. These villages also face day-to-day challenges, such as a lack of widespread running water, relying on community washeterias and “honey buckets.”
The Unseen Crisis: Federal Grant Cuts and Disaster Preparedness
The unfolding disaster has shone a harsh light on the broader issue of federal support for climate adaptation and disaster risk mitigation in small, often indigenous, communities. Specifically, attention has been drawn to the Trump administration’s cuts to federal grants designed to help these villages prepare for and withstand such storms.
A notable example is the termination of a $20 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant intended for Kipnuk. This grant aimed to protect the community’s boardwalk and 1,400 feet (430 meters) of river from erosion. Although the project saw limited work, including the purchase of a bulldozer, its termination has been fiercely challenged by environmental groups, including the Public Rights Project.
Jill Habig, CEO of Public Rights Project, articulated the profound impact of these decisions, stating, “What’s happening in Kipnuk shows the real cost of pulling back support that was already promised to front line communities. These grants were designed to help local governments prepare for and adapt to the growing effects of climate change. When that commitment is broken, it puts people’s safety, homes and futures at risk.” The Public Rights Project has actively engaged in legal challenges regarding these cuts, emphasizing the importance of these funds for vulnerable communities, as detailed on their official website.
Similarly, Kwigillingok was selected for a nearly $1.5 million FEMA grant in 2023 for a project related to potential village relocation. However, this grant was also part of a larger $3.6 billion revocation of disaster mitigation funds by the Trump administration in April, leaving the community without crucial support for long-term planning.
Long-Term Implications and the Path Forward
The situation in southwest Alaska is a stark reminder of the accelerating impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities. As Senator Lisa Murkowski, a Republican, noted, while the canceled grants might not have prevented the immediate flood, they underscore “the urgent need for federal investment to make these communities more resilient.”
The path to recovery will be long and arduous, especially with winter setting in. Beyond immediate relief, there is a critical need for sustained efforts to:
- Rebuild Resilient Infrastructure: Ensuring new homes and community facilities can withstand future climate impacts.
- Support Relocation Efforts: For communities like Kwigillingok, where relocation has been a long-standing concern, funding for scoping and execution is essential.
- Restore Subsistence Resources: Aid in replacing lost food stores and supporting traditional hunting and fishing practices.
- Re-evaluate Funding Priorities: A national conversation about prioritizing climate adaptation and disaster mitigation grants for frontline communities is crucial.
The crisis in Alaska is not merely a regional news story; it is a microcosm of the global challenge of climate change, demonstrating how environmental shifts disproportionately affect the most vulnerable and how political decisions around funding can have life-altering consequences.
