Alaska Faces Chaos After Typhoon Halong Leaving Communities to Rebuild

Tue Oct 21 2025 20:55:09 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

In the wake of devastation caused by Typhoon Halong, Alaska's communities are mobilizing for recovery efforts to restore infrastructure and provide essential services for displaced residents before winter's onset.

Alaska's military has completed the mass evacuation of residents from various villages severely impacted by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. Major recovery efforts are now directed towards the Yup'ik communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, both of which experienced catastrophic flooding and damage. As about 90% of buildings in Kipnuk have reportedly been destroyed, efforts focus on restoring essential services while ensuring the safety and welfare of evacuees, especially as winter approaches.

JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — The military has completed the evacuation of hundreds of residents from Alaskan villages devastated by Typhoon Halong’s remnants. Emergency efforts are now pivoted to stabilizing damaged infrastructure and housing ahead of the impending winter freeze.

Response initiatives are concentrating on the Yup’ik communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, located near the Bering Sea, which have long histories of flooding. More than a dozen communities faced destruction from Halong, but Kipnuk and Kwigillingok suffered severe storm surges that left water levels at record highs.

Initial reports indicate that as many as 90% of buildings in Kipnuk were shredded, with fresh water supplies compromised by sewage and fuel contamination. Meanwhile, Kwigillingok has reported approximately 35% of its buildings being lost to the disaster.

A tragic outcome from the storm’s fury includes one fatality and two missing individuals. In the chaotic aftermath, first responders have aided displaced residents, even rescuing some trapped on rooftops.

To address recovery, the Alaska Federation of Natives has emphasized the need for immediate and sustained assistance across the severely affected regions. Officials are calling for long-term investment in infrastructure capable of withstanding such disasters, as Alaska grapples with mounting challenges from climate change.

As winter looms, efforts to restore basic services and secure housing for those left homeless continue, whilst the Alaska National Guard facilitates the shipment of supplies and professional help into the remote villages.

In Anchorage, displaced students are also beginning to integrate into the local schools, with the district pledging to provide essentials, mental health support, and aid in acclimatizing to their new settings. Superintendent Jharrett Bryantt noted the emotional and cultural significance involved in this transition, highlighting a commitment to nurturing a sense of safety and belonging for all students.