Severe Flooding Displaces Thousands in Remote Alaska after Typhoon Halong

Mon Oct 20 2025 01:24:50 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Over 2,000 residents in remote Alaskan villages face displacement as typhoon remnants cause unprecedented flooding, with estimates suggesting they may not return home for at least 18 months.

Typhoon Halong's remnants have wreaked havoc across remote Alaskan villages, displacing over 2,000 residents. Significant destruction has been noted, particularly in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. The federal and state governments are working to provide assistance, while locals face an uncertain future.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The aftermath of Typhoon Halong has devastated numerous remote villages in Alaska, displacing more than 2,000 residents, according to Governor Mike Dunleavy's statement petitioning the White House for a major disaster declaration.

The storm's impact was severe, particularly in Kipnuk where 90% of homes are reported destroyed and in Kwigillingok where over a third of residences are uninhabitable. The flooding, characterized by a storm surge likened to a Category 2 hurricane, has resulted in one confirmed death and two individuals still unaccounted for.

State officials and emergency crews are currently engaged in airlifting inhabitants from the inundated areas. Around 575 evacuees have been safely transported to Anchorage, where shelters have been set up in various venues, including sports arenas and convention centers. Additional flights are anticipated this weekend as more evacuees arrive.

While efforts are underway to facilitate short-term accommodations for the displaced, long-term housing solutions remain a significant challenge due to the geographic and climatic constraints of the impacted areas. Governor Dunleavy has underscored concerns that many survivors will be unable to return home during the incoming winter months.

"Due to the time, space, distance, geography, and weather in the affected areas, it is likely that many survivors will be unable to return to their communities this winter," Dunleavy elaborated, noting that agencies are prioritizing rapid repairs amidst the harsh Arctic conditions.

Moreover, Alaska's congressional delegation urgently requested the federal government to expedite the disaster declaration to ensure that affected individuals receive federal assistance and support for restoration efforts.

The storm has hit a region where villages are typically only accessible by air or sea, dramatically altering the daily lives of residents who heavily depend on fishing and hunting for sustenance. As evacuees adapt to life in Anchorage, they face the daunting task of finding employment and permanent housing in an unfamiliar urban environment.

Many local leaders, including Anchorage Mayor Suzanne LaFrance, emphasized the community's commitment to support evacuees and help them through these challenging times. Residents like Alexie Stone, who has relocated with family members, expressed determination to rebuild their lives despite the uncertainties ahead.