Severe Flooding Displaces Thousands in Remote Alaska Villages

Sun Oct 19 2025 15:07:58 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

After the devastating effects of Typhoon Halong, Governor Mike Dunleavy has requested a major disaster declaration from the White House as over 2,000 residents are left displaced and facing uncertain futures.

Severe flooding caused by remnants of Typhoon Halong has left over 2,000 residents displaced in Alaska's remote villages. With significant damage reported, particularly in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, many families may not return home for at least 18 months. Evacuations are ongoing with shelter and support being rapidly organized in Anchorage. Relief efforts are focusing on immediate and long-term housing solutions.

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Damage to remote Alaskan villages hammered by flooding last weekend is so extreme that many of the more than 2,000 displaced residents may not return home for at least 18 months, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy stated in a request to the White House for a major disaster declaration.

Initial assessments revealed that in Kipnuk, 121 homes, or 90% of the total, were destroyed. In Kwigillingok, about one-third of the residences have been reported uninhabitable following the storm's impact.

The remnants of Typhoon Halong struck with the intensity of a Category 2 hurricane, sending high surf into the low-lying regions. Tragically, one person was killed, and two others remain missing amidst ongoing rescue operations.

Evacuations have been swiftly executed in inundated Alaska Native villages, and over 2,000 people are currently seeking shelter in schools within their communities, larger swathes in southwest Alaska, or being airlifted to Anchorage via military planes.

City officials in Anchorage report readying for an influx of as many as 1,600 evacuees with approximately 575 already airlifted. Shelters include sports arenas and convention centers, with plans for further evacuations forthcoming.

Governor Dunleavy emphasized the expected difficulties for survivors returning to their communities during the harsh winter months. Agencies are prioritizing rapid repairs, although some communities may not be viable for winter occupancy due to the severe damage.

The federal government is already engaged in search and rescue, damage assessments, and environmental response efforts. Alaska's congressional delegation has urged for expedited approval of federal assistance to support the impacted residents fully.

The flooding has predominantly affected sparsely populated areas of Alaska, which rely on air or water transport, causing additional logistical challenges for relief efforts.

Amid these struggles, many evacuees, like Alexie Stone from Kipnuk, express a commitment to rebuild their lives, searching for work and housing opportunities in Anchorage.

Local leaders in Anchorage have extended their support to the evacuees, striving to ensure they feel welcomed and cared for in the face of such daunting circumstances.