Western Alaska has been struck by catastrophic flooding and hurricane-force winds as remnants of Typhoon Halong swept through the region. The storm has left at least two dead, with dozens of residents missing, and caused extensive damage to remote communities including Kipnuk and Kwigillingok.
The typhoon remnants brought winds exceeding 100 mph and raised water levels 4 to 6 feet above normal high tide, displacing families along the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Many residents were forced to wait on rooftops for rescue as rivers and coastal areas overflowed.
Video footage from the affected areas shows boats being swept away and homes destroyed by the raging waters. U.S. Coast Guard Captain Christopher Culpepper described the situation as “absolute devastation” in Kwigillingok, an Alaska Native community of roughly 380 people.
So far, authorities have rescued at least 51 people and two dogs. Emergency teams are continuing operations by boat and helicopter, delivering essential supplies including generators and fuel. More than 1,000 residents have been sheltered in local schools, with recovery efforts expected to take significant time.
The remote location of these towns, far from major Alaskan cities such as Anchorage, Juneau, and Fairbanks, has complicated access and communications for rescue workers. Authorities also warn that another storm is expected, bringing wind gusts of 35–40 mph, which may further hinder recovery efforts.
This disaster highlights the power of nature in remote regions and the extraordinary challenges faced by communities in Alaska’s western coast. Rescue and recovery operations are ongoing as officials work to account for all residents and restore basic services.
