Aftermath of Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska
The remnants of Typhoon Halong have wreaked havoc in western Alaska, displacing more than 1,500 residents. Tragically, at least one person has lost their life, and search efforts continue for two others who are missing.
As of Wednesday, authorities confirmed the death of a woman from Kwigillingok. The search continues for 71-year-old Vernon Pavil and 41-year-old Chester Kashatok, both from the same village.
This past Sunday, a coastal storm moved into the Bering Sea, bringing with it hurricane-strength winds—gusts reaching up to 107 mph—and significant coastal flooding. This came as a cruel blow to communities still recovering from an earlier storm.
Amidst the chaos, many residents are seeking temporary shelter in local schools in Kwigillingok and Kipnuk while officials look for more stable accommodations.
In response to the crisis, state and federal teams have initiated search and rescue operations. So far, they have saved at least 51 individuals and two dogs, primarily thanks to the efforts of the U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska National Guard, who used aircraft to access the hardest-hit areas.
Organizations like the Salvation Army, the Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD), and the Red Cross are working together to provide food and supplies to those in need. However, local leaders anticipate a prolonged recovery process. Captain Christopher Culpepper from the U.S. Coast Guard characterized the damage as “absolute devastation.”
A Coastal Flood Warning was in effect through Monday, with the National Weather Service noting that water levels in Kipnuk surged to “6.6 feet above normal high tide,” surpassing a record set back in 2000 by nearly two feet.
In light of the storm’s impact, Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration on October 9. This declaration was expanded a few days later to include more areas affected by Typhoon Halong’s remnants.
“I have expanded the disaster declaration to include the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta, which was hit hard last night. Rescue efforts are underway, and we are committed to providing help to those impacted by this storm,” the governor stated.
