Coastal communities in Western Alaska are grappling with “absolute devastation” after the remnants of Typhoon Halong slammed the region over the weekend causing record-breaking storm surges and catastrophic flooding.
The storm which brought hurricane-force winds and a massive surge of water, ripped homes off their foundations, prompting a major search and rescue operation by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Alaska National Guard.
Alaska State Troopers confirmed that a woman was found dead in Kwigillingok and two people remain missing in the community.
At least 51 people and two dogs were successfully rescued in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok with some residents reportedly “plucked from rooftops” by aircrews.
The damage is widespread in remote villages like Kipnuk and Kwigillingok where floodwaters reached a record-breaking 6.6 feet above the normal high-tide mark.
U.S. Coast Guard Captain Christopher Culpepper, commander for Western Alaska, compared the devastation to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, stating, “Several of these villages have been completely devastated, absolutely flooded, several feet deep.”
Reports indicate that at least eight homes were pushed off their foundations in Kipnuk, while multiple houses in Kwigillingok were carried to different parts of town or across rivers.
The destruction has left communities facing a severe humanitarian crisis ahead of winter. Essential infrastructure has been heavily damaged.
Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a state disaster to speed up recovery efforts. Mark Roberts, head of the State Emergency Operations Center, promised immediate help, stating, “We know you need help. We’re going to continue to get the help to you.”