A devastating storm has wreaked havoc on Southwest Alaska, leaving communities reeling and facing a long road to recovery. The U.S. Coast Guard commander for Western Alaska has drawn a stark comparison, likening the destruction to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. But what exactly happened, and how are these remote villages coping? Let's dive in.
Over the weekend, the remnants of Typhoon Halong unleashed its fury on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, bringing hurricane-force winds and record-breaking floodwaters. Several villages were completely overwhelmed, with floodwaters reaching several feet deep, washing homes off their foundations. Capt. Christopher Culpepper of the U.S. Coast Guard described the harrowing scenes: "This took people into peril, where folks were swimming, floating, trying to find debris to hold onto in the cover of darkness."
Coast Guard and National Guard crews have been working tirelessly, rescuing at least 51 people so far from the hardest-hit communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. Sadly, the news isn't all positive; a woman missing from Kwigillingok was found dead, and two others remain missing. Hundreds of survivors are now sheltering in community centers. State Emergency Operations Center head Mark Roberts painted a picture of the fear and uncertainty: "It’s been very scary — very, very scary — for folks."
The storm's impact extends beyond the immediate danger. Kipnuk's runway is damaged, halting plane landings, and numerous utility poles are snapped, leading to continued power outages, as shared by Bethel state Sen. Lyman Hoffman. The state's top priority is finding the missing individuals.
A massive search and rescue operation is underway. Maj. Gen. Torrence Saxe, head of the Alaska National Guard, has activated every member of the state's National Guard and Alaska State Defense Force in Western Alaska, totaling 60 to 80 people. Additional personnel are being called in from Fairbanks and Anchorage. Saxe noted that this could become the National Guard's largest off-the-road-system response in approximately 45 years.
In addition to government efforts, numerous organizations are stepping up to help. Dozens of nonprofit organizations, businesses, and faith-based groups, including the Salvation Army, Red Cross, Samaritan’s Purse, and World Central Kitchen, are coordinating recovery efforts with the state. "We're coming," Roberts assured. "We're going to have folks there to help you."
Governor Mike Dunleavy has declared a disaster for the region, which will help to ease access to additional resources. He stated, "We know you need help. We're going to continue to get the help to you." His focus is on providing immediate necessities: water, food, sanitation, and electricity.
The storm's impact on the environment is also a concern. The Coast Guard is assessing potential marine disasters. While only a light sheen has been reported so far, the damage area includes numerous bulk fuel tanks and other fuel storage facilities, which are essential for the communities.
But here's where it gets controversial... While Dunleavy acknowledged the possibility of climate change's influence on the storm's intensity, he noted that Alaska has experienced significant storms in the past. However, Hoffman, who represents the region, highlighted the noticeable climate changes over the past 25 years, which have disrupted lives in the Y-K Delta, and even forced the relocation of the village of Newtok.
And this is the part most people miss... The record flooding is a stark reminder of the storm's power. Meteorologist David Kramer of the National Weather Service reported that the water at Kipnuk reached 6.6 feet above the normal highest tide mark, almost 2 feet higher than the previous record from 2000.
What do you think? Do you believe climate change played a significant role in this disaster? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Let's discuss the challenges these communities face and how we can support their recovery.
