Rescue Operations Launch in Alaska After Typhoon Halong Devastation

Fri Oct 17 2025 01:23:07 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Helicopters and military planes are engaged in one of Alaska's largest airlifts to evacuate residents from coastal villages affected by Typhoon Halong, which has caused significant damage and displacement.

Following the destructive impact of Typhoon Halong on Alaska's coastal communities, evacuation efforts are in full swing as helicopters and military transports facilitate the movement of residents from affected areas. Record high water levels and severe damage to homes, particularly in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, have led to a humanitarian crisis requiring immediate assistance. Officials are working to restore essential services while addressing evacuation needs amidst ongoing safety concerns.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (RTWNews) — In response to one of the most significant natural disasters in Alaska's recent history, extensive airlifts are currently underway to evacuate residents from coastal villages devastated by the remnants of Typhoon Halong.

The storm has left its mark with record flooding levels, washing away homes and leading to at least one confirmed death and two individuals still unaccounted for. Makeshift shelters have been established, now housing approximately 1,500 displaced residents, highlighting the urgency and scale of the ongoing crisis.

Among the hardest-hit areas are Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, where flooding reached over six feet above normal tide lines. Reports indicate more than 121 homes have been completely destroyed in Kipnuk, a community of roughly 700 residents.

Rescue missions involving helicopters and military transport have successfully evacuated about 300 residents to Anchorage, approximately 500 miles from the flooded areas. Although many are being housed in temporary shelters, more space is urgently needed as Bethel, the regional hub of southwest Alaska, can no longer accommodate additional evacuees.

In the wake of the damage, efforts are ongoing to restore utilities, and some cell phone services have been reinstated in affected areas. However, local leaders are cautioning residents against returning to their homes due to severe structural damages and ongoing safety risks.

In addition to the immediate recovery needs, this crisis has highlighted systemic issues regarding funding for disaster preparedness in Indigenous communities. Critics point to cuts in federal grants that previously supported infrastructure improvements aimed at mitigating disaster risks, emphasizing that such cuts have dire consequences for vulnerable populations in Alaska.

In light of the unfolding situation, state officials continue to prioritize ensuring the safety and well-being of evacuated residents while strategizing on restoring essential services and addressing the long-term recovery needs.