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Home / Disasters and Accidents / Alaskan Villages Devastated by Typhoon Remnants, Hundreds Evacuated

Alaskan Villages Devastated by Typhoon Remnants, Hundreds Evacuated

Summary

  • Hundreds evacuated from Alaska villages by military aircraft
  • 90% of buildings destroyed in Kipnuk, water supply contaminated
  • Alaska Federation of Natives calls for urgent government aid and infrastructure investments

On October 22nd, 2025, the mass evacuation of hundreds of residents from Alaskan villages ravaged by the remnants of Typhoon Halong was reported to be complete. Officials and local leaders are now focused on stabilizing the damaged infrastructure and housing before the winter freeze sets in.

The Yup'ik communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, located near the Bering Sea, were hit the hardest by the back-to-back storms. Initial estimates suggest 90% of buildings were destroyed in Kipnuk, with the fresh water supply seemingly contaminated by fuel and sewage. About 35% of buildings in Kwigillingok were also destroyed.

In response, the Alaska Federation of Natives, the largest statewide Native organization, passed a resolution urging the state and federal governments to make "sustained investments in permanent Alaska Arctic infrastructure and protective measures." The group also called for establishing a regional response hub and providing funds for village public safety officers to aid in recovery efforts.

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With numerous rural Alaskan communities facing threats from coastal erosion and thawing permafrost, the need for significant infrastructure updates and, in some cases, relocation, has become increasingly urgent. The resolution also asked governments to ensure uninterrupted access to traditional hunting and fishing practices, which are essential for these communities.

As the region braces for the approaching winter freeze, the focus has shifted to sending personnel and supplies to help restore damaged infrastructure and assist with emergency home repairs. Tribal organizations and consortiums are coordinating efforts to dry out, salvage, and repair homes. The temporary relocation of hundreds of people to shelters in Anchorage, Alaska's largest city, is also ongoing as officials work to find long-term accommodations.

Disclaimer: This story has been auto-aggregated and auto-summarised by a computer program. This story has not been edited or created by the Feedzop team.

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The Yup'ik communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were devastated by the storm, with 90% of buildings destroyed in Kipnuk and the fresh water supply contaminated.
The Alaska Federation of Natives, the largest statewide Native organization, has passed a resolution urging the state and federal governments to provide sustained aid and invest in permanent Arctic infrastructure to protect these remote communities.
Hundreds of residents have been evacuated, and officials are now focused on stabilizing the damaged infrastructure and housing before the winter freeze sets in. Tribal organizations are coordinating efforts to repair homes, and the temporary relocation of displaced residents to shelters in Anchorage is ongoing.

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