Alaska is undertaking one of its most significant airlifts ever to evacuate hundreds from coastal villages devastated by Typhoon Halong, a crisis that has starkly illuminated the profound challenges of climate change preparedness and the critical impact of halted federal grants on vulnerable Indigenous communities.
An unprecedented humanitarian operation is unfolding in Alaska as an historic airlift moves hundreds of residents from remote coastal villages ravaged by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. The storm, which struck last weekend, brought record-breaking water levels, high surf, and strong winds, leaving a trail of destruction that has prompted a massive evacuation effort and raised urgent questions about climate resilience and infrastructure funding in these sparsely populated regions.
The Devastation: A Look at Typhoon Halong’s Impact
The storm, described as one of the most significant weather events in recent Alaskan history, inundated two low-lying communities, Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, with water levels soaring more than 6 feet (1.8 meters) above the highest normal tide line. This record surge swept away homes, some with people still inside, leading to at least one fatality and two individuals reported missing. The immediate aftermath saw approximately 1,500 people seeking refuge in makeshift shelters, a staggering number for a region where communities are typically only accessible by air or water, highlighting the immense challenges of disaster response in such remote areas.
The scale of destruction has prompted emergency management officials to declare many homes uninhabitable, even with immediate repairs, and some may not be livable by winter. With forecasters predicting rain, snow, and freezing temperatures in the coming days, the urgency to ensure the safety and warmth of evacuees is paramount. Mark Roberts, incident commander with the state emergency management agency, emphasized that the immediate focus is on “making sure people are safe, warm and cared for while we work with our partners to restore essential services.”
The Airlift and Shelter Challenges
The state’s response has included an extensive evacuation operation, with about 300 evacuees transported to Anchorage, approximately 500 miles (805 kilometers) east of the affected villages, to the Alaska Airlines Center. This sports and events complex can accommodate around 400 people. Officials noted that shelter space in Bethel, the regional hub for southwest Alaska, had already reached capacity, underscoring the logistical complexities of the crisis.
The evacuation process is ongoing, with authorities actively seeking additional sheltering locations. The goal, according to Jeremy Zidek, a spokesperson with the state emergency management office, is to transition individuals from congregate shelters into more stable environments like hotel rooms or dormitories. This strategic shift aims to provide more comfort and privacy, especially as the long-term implications of the storm’s damage become clearer.
Policy and Preparedness: The Ripple Effect of Grant Cuts
The disaster has brought renewed attention to the broader issue of climate change preparedness in vulnerable communities, particularly the impact of cuts to federal grants. Environmental groups have highlighted that the Trump administration terminated a $20 million U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) grant for Kipnuk, one of the villages severely affected by floodwaters. This grant was intended to protect the community’s essential boardwalk system and a significant stretch of river from erosion, critical infrastructure for daily life and long-term resilience.
Limited work on the project had begun, including the purchase of a bulldozer and the hiring of a bookkeeper, before the grant was halted. While no single project could have prevented the recent flood, the Public Rights Project, which represents Kipnuk, argued that work to remove abandoned fuel tanks and other hazardous materials could have been undertaken during the 2025 construction season, mitigating some risks. As Jill Habig, CEO of Public Rights Project, stated, “What’s happening in Kipnuk shows the real cost of pulling back support that was already promised to front line communities.” These grants, she noted, were designed to help local governments adapt to climate change, and their termination puts “people’s safety, homes and futures at risk.” More details on such initiatives can be found on the Public Rights Project website.
Looking Ahead: Winter’s Approach and Long-Term Recovery
With winter fast approaching and average temperatures soon dropping below freezing, the need for safe, permanent housing for the displaced residents is critical. The challenges are amplified by the remoteness of these communities and the sheer scale of the damage. While initial search and rescue operations have transitioned to stabilizing and restoring basic services, the path to full recovery will be a long one.
The ongoing crisis in southwest Alaska serves as a stark reminder of the increasing vulnerability of coastal communities to severe weather events exacerbated by climate change. It underscores the vital role of sustained investment in infrastructure and resilience initiatives to protect lives, homes, and the unique cultural heritage of Indigenous villages. For additional breaking details on the evolving situation, refer to the Associated Press report.
