JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) — Alaska officials are urgently working to secure housing for residents from tiny coastal villages impacted by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. As winter approaches and more storms loom, the options appear increasingly limited.
Over the weekend, fierce winds and storm surges hit low-lying Indigenous communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, approximately 500 miles from Anchorage. Many homes were uprooted or swept away. Rescue operations by the Coast Guard saved dozens, but recovery efforts are hampered by extensive damage and bad weather.
Preliminary assessments indicate over 1,300 residents have been displaced, with many seeking refuge in crowded shelters, including schools. Notably, cities like Bethel are reaching capacity, prompting discussions about relocating evacuees to Fairbanks or Anchorage.
Local infrastructure suffered major hits, including fuel depots, raising concerns over potential pollution that threatens vital subsistence resources. Residents are fearing the loss of seasonal food supplies as food storage systems fail.
“It’s catastrophic in Kipnuk. Let’s not paint any other picture,” stated Mark Roberts, an official from the state emergency management division, underscoring the dire situation.
Kwigillingok saw every home sustain damage, with many homes shifting from their foundations. Emergency teams are working tirelessly to restore services, although recovery might take considerable time with winter quickly approaching.
Rick Thoman, a climate specialist, warned that while the Indigenous communities are resilient, an overwhelming amount of damage requires significant external support. The impending winter further complicates recovery efforts, as rebuilding becomes increasingly unlikely.
