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Powerful Storm Batters Western Alaska, Homes Swept Away Amid Massive Flooding; Search Continues for Missing
Western Alaska – The remnants of Typhoon Halong unleashed a powerful storm across Western Alaska this past weekend, triggering widespread flooding, destroying homes, and prompting dozens of rescues. As of Monday morning, search efforts are ongoing for at least three individuals reported missing, though no fatalities have been reported.
The storm, fueled by Halong, which originated in the northern Philippine Sea on October 5, brought intense weather impacts to the region from Saturday night into Sunday. Communities along Alaska’s west coast experienced powerful wind gusts, with many locations reporting speeds between 40 to 60 mph, and isolated gusts topping 70 mph.
Coastal areas, particularly along the Bering Sea and in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region, were hit by major, and in some cases destructive, coastal flooding. Water levels soared more than 6 feet above normal high tide levels, inundating communities and causing significant damage.
Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan confirmed that multiple homes in low-lying coastal towns were swept away.
Alaska State Troopers reported specific impacts in Kipnuk, where at least eight homes were pushed off their foundations, and 172 residents sought shelter overnight as water levels reached 6.6 feet above the highest tides. In Kwigillingok, at least four homes were inundated, and 100 people were sheltered as water levels climbed to 6.3 feet above the highest tides.
State troopers noted that “Both communities experienced strong winds and heavy flooding overnight, which caused significant damage.”
Beyond these towns, officials stated that several other communities, including Bethel, Napaskiak, and Napakiak in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, were impacted by high winds and sea surge, leading to damage to essential power and communication systems, roads, boardwalks, and additional homes.
First responders have been working tirelessly, conducting dozens of rescues. Alaska State Troopers confirmed at least 51 people, predominantly from Kwigillingok and Kipnuk, were rescued from the floodwaters.
In response to the widespread devastation, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy issued an emergency declaration on Thursday, which was expanded on Sunday to include additional regions. “Every effort will be made to help those hit by this storm,” Governor Dunleavy stated. “Help is on the way.”
Senator Sullivan has been in continuous contact with federal and state officials, including acting FEMA Director David Richardson and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, to coordinate relief efforts. The U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska Air National Guard have deployed helicopters to the remote impacted regions to provide medical support, assist with search-and-rescue operations, and deliver vital supplies.
While the main storm has passed, lingering coastal flooding impacts were anticipated through Monday. The system also brought heavy mountain snow to northwestern Alaska before exiting the state.
This latest event adds to a series of significant flood challenges Alaska has faced in recent years. In 2023, a glacier lake outburst on the Mendenhall Glacier near Juneau destroyed homes, and the Mendenhall River surpassed record flood stages in both 2024 and this past August, prompting evacuations and damaging hundreds of homes.