Emergency Crews Rescue Residents as Typhoon’s Fury Hits Alaska

BETHEL, Alaska — Emergency crews airlifted dozens of people to safety in western Alaska as flooding from the remnants of Typhoon Halong wreaked havoc on low-lying communities. The National Guard and Coast Guard, along with local law enforcement, deployed helicopters and C-130 planes on Sunday to evacuate residents from the villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok.

The flooding situation was described as ‘serious,’ with the storm bringing wind gusts of up to 80 mph and raising water levels by more than 7 feet in some areas. At least 11 homes were reported swept away, and while no fatalities were reported, residents suffered injuries from debris flying due to the storm.

Kipnuk and Kwigillingok are among the most isolated communities in the United States, with populations under 500 and no road access to the outside world. As another storm is forecasted for Tuesday, local tribal leaders expressed concern over the increasing frequency of severe weather events. They called for more resources to help the Bering Sea communities.

Republican Governor Mike Dunleavy assured reporters that ‘every effort will be made to help those hit by this storm.’ As of now, authorities are still searching for individuals reported missing following the devastation.