In the Yup’ik village of Kwigillingok, anticipation filled the air before a storm, marking a moment of hope. Dan Winkelman was at the community health clinic, celebrating the groundbreaking of a much-needed expansion. This renovation was part of a significant $100 million initiative by the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), aiming to support approximately 30,000 Indigenous Alaskans from 58 tribes in the region.
Winkelman started the weekend positively, excited about the community gathering. “We had a nice groundbreaking,” he recalled, but soon after, the storm hit. Typhoon Halong unleashed its fury, impacting around 15 villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta, an area as large as Oregon.
The powerful winds and high tides led to devastating flooding. Kwigillingok faced record tides, with waters surpassing six feet. Homes were destroyed, and fuel tanks spilled into natural habitats. The tragedy was particularly personal for Ella Mae Kashatok, 67, whose body was found the next day, while her brother and son remain missing.
The storm highlighted a pressing issue facing the region: climate change. With thawing permafrost and increasing flooding, the YK delta is particularly vulnerable. A recent NOAA report revealed that this area is warming almost four times faster than the global average.
For many villagers, the land holds deep cultural significance, serving as a source of sustenance and heritage. The floodwaters washed over areas that have provided knowledge and resources for generations, damaging berry-picking sites and even disturbing elder graves. Community member Tony Paul expressed this connection: “We know this land.”
In Kipnuk, the hardest-hit village, nearly 90% of homes were destroyed. Power lines were brought down, leaving many without basic utilities. Paul mentioned that some residents wanted to return: “They didn’t want to go.”
The storm forced nearly all 700 residents of Nightmute to evacuate by military aircraft. Paul even used his boat to rescue villagers, a lifeline in a time of dire need. Yet amidst the chaos, residents are also facing challenges in accessing relief funds. Sheryl Musgrove from the Alaska Institute for Justice explained that securing grants is tough, especially for these communities that often operate on limited resources.
In 2022, two villages received $25 million each from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Newtok is already relocating to Mertarvik, but Kipnuk’s situation remains uncertain. While Kipnuk secured a $20 million EPA grant to combat coastal erosion, it was canceled earlier this year under previous administration policies, leaving many without the support they desperately need.
Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski, reflecting on past disasters, emphasized the need for action: “Let’s get moving, now.” Climate scientist Rick Thoman echoed these sentiments, stressing the urgency of addressing the increasingly frequent storms. He stated, “This is what we have been dreading for decades.”
As evacuees made their way to shelters in Anchorage, moments of joy emerged, such as when Lacey Paul was reunited with her beloved dog. It’s a small comfort in a landscape of loss.
In the weeks following Halong, Winkelman surveyed the damage, determined to help his community heal. “The land had begun to heal itself,” he said, hopeful for the future.
For more information on the impacts of climate change and community resilience, check resources from NOAA.
