JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The mass evacuation by military aircraft of hundreds of residents from Alaska villages ravaged by the remnants of Typhoon Halong is complete, and officials and local leaders are turning attention to trying to stabilize damaged infrastructure and housing where they can before the winter freeze sets in.
The focus of major response efforts following back-to-back storms that battered western Alaska has been the Yup’ik communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, which are near the Bering Sea and have histories of flooding. While more than a dozen communities reported damage from the remnants of Halong earlier this month, Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were devastated by storm surge and water levels that reached record highs.
Homes were swept away, some with people inside. Winds in the region shook and tossed buildings like toys. First responders recounted rescuing people from rooftops. One person died, and two remain missing.
Initial estimates suggest 90% of buildings were destroyed in Kipnuk, with the fresh water supply seemingly contaminated by fuel and sewage, according to a report released Monday by Alaska’s emergency management division. About 35% of buildings in Kwigillingok were destroyed, the report states.
An Alaska Native organization seeks additional action. The Alaska Federation of Natives passed a resolution during its annual convention in support of expansive, urgent and ongoing help for the region.
As winter approaches, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corp. anticipates freeze-up — when rivers begin to freeze over — within weeks. The state has shifted focus to sending personnel and supplies into communities to assist with repairs and recovery.
The transition carries both emotional and cultural weight for the displaced residents. Anchorage School District staff met with families in shelters to help register children for school. The district superintendent emphasized the importance of creating schools that foster belonging and connection for students.
