What happened to the village of Kipnuk during Typhoon Halong?

Typhoon Halong struck the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta in Alaska in October 2025, devastating the Indigenous village of Kipnuk. Nearly all of Kipnuk's 700 residents were evacuated, and an estimated 90% of the homes were destroyed.

How is the Yup'ik community of Kipnuk coping with the aftermath of the storm?

The residents of Kipnuk are facing an uncertain future as they begin the long process of rebuilding their community. The climate crisis looms large, and the village continues to struggle to access the resources it needs to defend itself against the worsening impacts of extreme weather events.

What challenges are Alaskan villages like Kipnuk facing in terms of climate adaptation and disaster recovery?

Villages in the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta, including Kipnuk, have faced ongoing challenges in accessing government funding and resources for climate adaptation and disaster recovery efforts. The cancellation of a $20 million EPA grant for Kipnuk is just one example of the obstacles these communities have had to overcome.

Home / Disasters and Accidents / Alaskan Village Devastated by Typhoon Halong, Residents Evacuated

Alaskan Village Devastated by Typhoon Halong, Residents Evacuated

22 Oct

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Summary

Nearly all of Kipnuk's 700 residents evacuated after deadly typhoon
Homes swept away, power lines downed, and fuel tanks spilled in the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta
Ongoing challenges for villages to access funds for climate adaptation and disaster recovery

Alaskan Village Devastated by Typhoon Halong, Residents Evacuated

On October 11, 2025, Typhoon Halong struck the Yukon-Kuskokwim (YK) delta in Alaska, devastating the Indigenous village of Kipnuk and several other communities. The storm unleashed hurricane-force winds and towering waves that sent rivers and sloughs spilling over their banks, sweeping away homes, downing power lines, and spilling fuel tanks into the wetlands.

Kipnuk, a village of nearly 700 residents, was the hardest hit, with an estimated 90% of homes destroyed and half of its boardwalks snapped like twigs. Almost all the villagers were evacuated by military aircraft, with some dramatically airlifted from their homes. The disaster underscored the growing dangers facing the YK delta, which is one of the six major climate impact zones in Alaska, due to thawing permafrost, chronic erosion, and increased flooding from stronger and more frequent storms.