Alaska Village Floats Away: Climate Change Forces Relocation

Remnants of Typhoon Halong recently caused extensive damage to Kwigillingok, an Alaska Native village on the southwestern coast. The storm surge led to severe flooding and erosion, with some homes reportedly floating away. This event has amplified concerns about climate change impacts in the region, which has been grappling with thawing permafrost and rising waters for years.

Hundreds of residents have been evacuated and are currently residing in larger cities, raising fears about the potential loss of their Yugtun language and traditional subsistence lifestyle. While the village has long sought to move to safer, higher ground, there is currently no concrete plan or committed funding for such an endeavor, leaving the community in limbo.

Despite challenges faced by other relocating Indigenous communities, Kwigillingok residents are resolute in their desire to move. They hope the recent disaster will spur state and federal governments to provide the necessary assistance for rebuilding and facilitating a safe relocation, ensuring the survival of their culture and community.