In the wake of the devastating impact of Typhoon Halong’s remnants on western Alaska, a massive evacuation effort involving military aircraft has successfully relocated hundreds of residents from severely affected villages. This critical phase of emergency response has now concluded, allowing officials and local leaders to focus on the next urgent challenge: stabilizing damaged infrastructure and housing before the onset of the harsh Alaskan winter.
The hardest-hit communities are predominantly Yup’ik villages—Kipnuk and Kwigillingok—located near the Bering Sea. These villages have long been vulnerable to flooding, but the recent storms brought unprecedented destruction. While more than a dozen villages across the region reported storm damage, Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were devastated by powerful storm surges and record-high water levels. The sheer force of the storm surge swept away homes, some with residents still inside, while fierce winds tossed buildings as if they were mere toys. First responders have shared chilling accounts of rescuing people stranded on rooftops amid the floodwaters. Tragically, one person lost their life, and two others remain unaccounted for.
Assessments carried out by Alaska’s emergency management division paint a grim picture. In Kipnuk, approximately 90% of buildings were destroyed, and the village’s fresh water supply appears contaminated by fuel and sewage, creating an urgent public health concern. Kwigillingok fared slightly better but still suffered the loss of about 35% of its buildings. These damage estimates underscore the scope of the disaster and the daunting recovery tasks ahead.
In response, the Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN), the state’s largest Native organization, passed a resolution during its annual convention in Anchorage, which concluded recently. The timing of the convention coincided with the temporary relocation of hundreds of displaced villagers to shelters in Anchorage—Alaska’s largest city, situated some 500 miles from these remote communities. For many of the evacuees, who are deeply connected to the land through traditional hunting and fishing, this move represents a profound cultural and emotional upheaval.
The AFN’s resolution calls for expansive, urgent, and ongoing assistance to the affected region. It appeals to state and federal governments to commit to sustained investments in permanent Arctic infrastructure and protective measures. Recognizing the unique challenges faced by Alaska’s remote communities, the resolution also urges stronger collaboration with tribal governments to ensure a consistent federal presence and equitable access to resources across the Bering Sea and Arctic regions.
These calls come amid a broader political backdrop in which funding for community resilience and disaster mitigation programs has been under scrutiny. The Trump administration had proposed canceling such funds, leading to legal challenges. Alaska’s U.S. Senators, Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, both Republicans, have voiced strong support for maintaining and expanding these programs. They argue that Alaska’s rural communities face escalating threats from coastal erosion and thawing permafrost, which demand significant infrastructure upgrades and, in some cases, entire community relocations.
Beyond infrastructure investment, the AFN resolution highlights the need for enhanced emergency response capabilities. It recommends establishing a regional response hub in Bethel, a key community in southwest Alaska, and securing funding for village public safety officers to support local response efforts. Additionally, the resolution stresses the importance of preserving subsistence lifestyles by discouraging any barriers that would restrict hunting and fishing practices. For many Native residents, access to traditional foods such as fish and moose meat is not only a cultural cornerstone but also a vital supplement to grocery supplies, which in these remote areas can be limited and expensive due to the region’s isolation.
This isolation is a significant factor complicating recovery efforts. The affected villages are accessible primarily by barge or air, making the delivery of emergency supplies and reconstruction materials logistically challenging. With the growing urgency of winter’s approach, ensuring timely and efficient resupply is critical.
Meanwhile, in Anchorage, displaced families are beginning to settle into their temporary new environment. On Monday, 65 students from the affected villages started attending classes in local schools. Anchorage School District staff had been actively engaging with families in the shelters over the weekend, assisting with school registration and addressing immediate needs. The district superintendent, Jharrett Bryantt, emphasized the importance of schools serving as places of healing and belonging for these students. He pledged that the schools would provide emergency supplies, transportation, mental health services, language support, and other resources to help children adjust to their new circumstances.
Bryantt acknowledged the profound emotional and cultural weight carried by this transition.