Storm Wreaks Havoc: Southwest Alaska Communities Facing Complete Devastation

The U.S. Coast Guard commander for Western Alaska has described the destruction in Southwest Alaska as similar to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Capt. Christopher Culpepper shared that many villages were severely flooded, with some homes completely washed away.

The remnants of Typhoon Halong hit the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, bringing violent winds and unprecedented flood levels. So far, Coast Guard and National Guard teams have rescued over 50 individuals from the worst-affected areas like Kipnuk and Kwigillingok.

Sadly, the search continues for two people still missing from Kwigillingok. Mark Roberts, director at the State Emergency Operations Center, noted how frightening the situation has been for many residents. Reports indicate that several homes floated away with families still inside.

The storm caused significant damage, destroying numerous buildings and infrastructure. It also cracked the runway in Kipnuk, preventing aircraft from landing and causing power outages by snapping utility poles.

Roberts emphasized that searching for the missing is a top priority. The Alaska National Guard has mobilized around 80 members, making this one of its largest emergency responses in nearly 45 years. Many organizations, including the Red Cross and the Salvation Army, are collaborating on recovery efforts.

Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a disaster, streamlining access to crucial resources for the region. He reassured residents that help is on the way and that officials are committed to restoring normalcy.

The storm surge reached record levels, surpassing past highs. A meteorologist noted that Kipnuk’s water levels were 6.6 feet above the usual tide, breaking the previous record set in 2000 by nearly two feet.

While this storm was severe, it wasn’t as widespread as Merbok, which impacted a broader coastal area in 2022. General Torrence Saxe compared the two events, stating that this storm was particularly concentrated.

The Coast Guard is also monitoring potential environmental risks, as the storm affected fuel storage facilities vital for the communities. However, Governor Dunleavy emphasized immediate needs like food and water over environmental concerns.

Dunleavy remarked on climate change’s potential role in intensifying storms in Alaska. He acknowledged that the state has experienced increasingly severe weather patterns in recent years, affecting local communities significantly. This sentiment was echoed by local leaders who pointed to climate shifts that have already led to relocations in some villages.

As rescue and recovery efforts move forward, the focus remains on aiding affected residents and understanding the full impact of this devastating storm.



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