Western Alaska has been plunged into a humanitarian crisis after the remnants of Typhoon Halong brought unprecedented flooding, leaving one dead, at least two missing, and over 1,000 displaced. This in-depth guide explores the catastrophic impact, places the event within Alaska’s history of extreme weather, and examines the long-term challenges of recovery exacerbated by climate change and the region’s unique vulnerabilities.
A catastrophic storm system, born from the remnants of Typhoon Halong, has unleashed “unprecedented” levels of flooding and destruction across communities in Western Alaska. The storm, which battered the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, has left a trail of devastation, prompting urgent rescue operations and raising serious concerns about the long-term well-being of thousands of residents.
The immediate aftermath saw one woman confirmed dead in Kwigillingok, with two people still missing from the same community, a stark reminder of the storm’s deadly force. More than 1,000 individuals have been displaced from their homes, seeking shelter in community buildings or evacuated to larger hubs for medical care.
The Catastrophic Impact Unfolds
The scale of the disaster began to fully emerge as reports flowed in from affected villages like Kwigillingok, Kipnuk, Napakiak, and Nightmute. Homes were lifted off their foundations, entire structures were destroyed, and crucial infrastructure, including sewer systems and wells, sustained heavy damage. Perhaps most heartbreaking for the region’s subsistence-based communities was the widespread loss of precious food caches, with freezers flooded and fish drying racks obliterated.
Jamie Jenkins, a 42-year-old resident of Napakiak, described the event as “the worst I’ve ever seen,” recounting harrowing moments of howling winds and rapidly rising waters forcing her and her family to evacuate by boat to the local school. In Kotlik, Adaline Pete reported experiencing winds so powerful an unoccupied house nearby was flipped over, as published by The Weather Channel. These personal accounts paint a vivid picture of the terror and chaos that engulfed these remote areas.
Rescue efforts were swiftly mobilized, with U.S. Coast Guard, Alaska Army National Guard, and Alaska Air National Guard crews working tirelessly. Over 51 people and two dogs were rescued from flooded homes in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok alone, highlighting the rapid response needed to reach residents in these isolated areas. The Alaska State Troopers continue their search for the missing individuals.
A Storm of Unprecedented Scale
The remnants of Typhoon Halong unleashed hurricane-force winds, with gusts exceeding 100 mph in some areas like Kusilvak before sensors failed. The National Weather Service reported record tidal surges: Kipnuk saw tides rise a staggering 6.6 feet above normal, while Kwigillingok experienced a 6.3-foot surge. Both figures represent historical records for these communities, as reported by meteorologist Joshua Ribail with the National Weather Service.
Climate expert Rick Thoman from the University of Alaska Fairbanks noted that the event was “apparently unprecedented in modern times” for its destruction. He highlighted a significant “climate change connection,” explaining that the storm was supercharged by encountering “record warm North Pacific ocean surface water” along its path. This unusual warmth provided more energy than the typhoon would typically have, intensifying its impact.
Historical Echoes: Alaska’s Battle with Flooding
While this storm is considered unprecedented in its modern context, Alaska has a long and often tragic history with severe flooding, underscoring the state’s inherent vulnerability to natural disasters. Significant past events, detailed in historical records, include:
- 1967 Tanana Valley Flood: The most widespread and damaging flood of record, attributed to torrential rains from ex-Typhoon Holly, which caused $85 million in damages (1967 dollars) and led to six deaths. Over 12,000 people were evacuated, and entire communities, like Minto, eventually relocated.
- 2013 Yukon River Ice Jam Flood: Extreme cold followed by rapid breakup led to devastating ice jams, particularly impacting Galena, where many buildings were rendered uninhabitable. Recovery costs exceeded $80 million, and a federal disaster declaration was issued.
- 1994 Koyukuk River Flood: Prolonged heavy rains caused severe flooding, displacing all 200+ residents of Allakaket and Alatna, with damages exceeding $15 million.
- 1995 South-Central Alaska Flooding: Intense, orographically focused rains combined with unusual glacier and snowmelt caused severe damage, with peak water volumes on rivers like the Eagle and Knik reaching once-in-500-year levels.
These historical events, often driven by extreme rainfall, ice jams, or rapid snowmelt, illustrate the diverse and relentless flood threats faced by Alaskans. The current coastal flooding, however, driven by a powerful typhoon remnant and amplified by warmer ocean temperatures, presents a distinct and growing challenge.
The Long Road to Recovery
The immediate crisis is slowly transitioning into a long-term recovery effort, which will be profoundly challenging given the remoteness and existing vulnerabilities of the affected communities. Many displaced individuals are currently sheltering in schools; for example, 400 people in Kwigillingok and 680 in Kipnuk. The Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC) noted that conditions in these shelters are expected to worsen, emphasizing the urgent need for assistance.
The YKHC has been actively involved, sending pallets of water, food, and sanitation supplies to the hardest-hit villages, including Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Tuntutuliak, Napakiak, Chefornak, and Nightmute. Their immediate actions highlight the critical role local and regional health organizations play in disaster response in Alaska, as outlined by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation.
The long-term outlook for housing is particularly grim. Peter Evon, president of the Association of Village Council Presidents’ (AVCP) Regional Housing Authority, warned that rebuilding homes will be a multi-year process. “That process is going to take, literally, a couple years,” he stated, signifying that displacement will not be a short-term issue for many families. This region already grapples with some of the highest rates of housing overcrowding, and the complete loss of dozens of homes has compounded an existing crisis.
Governor Mike Dunleavy has expanded a prior disaster declaration to include the affected areas, making residents eligible for state disaster recovery programs. However, the Association of Village Council Presidents, representing 48 communities, has called for a statewide disaster declaration and urgent federal assistance, urging President Donald Trump to declare a national emergency.
Community Resilience Amidst Vulnerability
Despite the immense challenges, the spirit of Alaskan communities shines through. In Ketchikan, after a deadly landslide, the community demonstrated immense support, offering food, supplies, and shelter to those affected, as reported in a separate incident. This resilience is a hallmark of Alaska, where residents frequently come together in times of crisis.
However, the isolation of many Alaskan villages exacerbates their vulnerability. With few connecting roads and limited access to critical services, residents are often left with minimal immediate resources. The current disaster highlights these systemic issues, including the need for robust infrastructure, improved access to medical and social support systems, and proactive measures to address the root causes of vulnerability in these regions.
Looking Ahead: Adapting to a Changing Climate
The “climate change connection” underscored by experts suggests that such extreme weather events may become more frequent and intense. For low-lying communities in Western Alaska, where the land is already close to sea level, rising ocean levels and powerful storms pose an existential threat. The long-term recovery will not only involve rebuilding homes and infrastructure but also adapting to a rapidly changing environment.
The devastating floods in Western Alaska serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life in the face of nature’s fury, amplified by global climate shifts. As rescue efforts continue and the immense task of rebuilding begins, the focus must extend beyond immediate relief to sustainable solutions that protect these unique communities for generations to come.
