Massive Flooding in Western Alaska from Typhoon Halon
BETHEL, Alaska – Recent footage reveals severe flooding in western Alaska, a result of Typhoon Halon’s remnants, wreaking havoc across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta and forcing families to evacuate while first responders search for those unaccounted for.
Starting Sunday, a fierce coastal storm impacted the Bering Sea, unleashing hurricane-force winds, large waves, and significant coastal flooding on communities south of the Kuskokwim Delta and Bering Strait. To make matters worse, a separate low-pressure system, present since last week, has also contributed to high tides and heavy rainfall, compounding the disaster.
The video from Bethel highlights the flooding that swept away boats and caused extensive infrastructural damage over the weekend. Photos from the Alaska Department of Emergency Management depict numerous homes engulfed in floodwaters.
The National Weather Service reported hurricane-force winds reaching up to 160 mph over the weekend. One video from Emmonak shows a boat capsized by the powerful winds and waves.
Over the weekend, more than 30 individuals were rescued in the Yukon’s Kuskokwim Delta area, as stated by Alaska State Police. Among them, at least 18 were saved in Kwigiringok and 16 in Kipunuku. Rescue operations involved multiple agencies, including the Alaska Air National Guard and the U.S. Coast Guard.
Currently, authorities are verifying how many people are missing in Kipunuku, with reports of at least three missing in Kwigiringok.
The storm is anticipated to continue bringing flooding through Monday. A coastal flood warning has been issued for much of the Alaska coast, with water levels potentially soaring 4 to 6 feet above normal high tide.
Last week, the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities carried out its first coastal storm damage survey prior to the arrival of another threat from a system named Furlong. The flooding of the Kots Airport runway is evident in the video shown above.
As per the Coastal Villages Regional Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Alaska, the damage from Halon might surpass that of Typhoon Maabok in 2022.
