Sitting amid debris and destruction, Kwigillingok resident Darrel John reflects on the devastation caused by Typhoon Halong in early October. Typhoon remnants have dramatically altered life in this small village as homes have been uprooted, some carried miles away by flooding waters. Although the evacuation is primarily complete, John is one of the few who chose to remain and help with recovery efforts.
His village is not alone in facing the existential crisis brought on by rising sea levels and increased storm frequency. Over 1,600 residents were displaced throughout the region, many now residing in temp housing in Anchorage. The state’s long-term focus includes not just rebuilding damaged areas but also contemplating the viability of these communities in a changing climate.
As Alaska grapples with the implications of climate change, many residents question their future: 'A lot of people have claimed they’re not returning. They don’t want to do this again,' says Louise Paul, a resident of Kipnuk, another village hit hard by flooding. With seasonal flooding becoming increasingly perilous, the need for urgent solutions grows.
The region is steeped in history, where Athabascan and Yup’ik peoples have thrived for thousands of years. However, as natural disasters grow more intense, this way of life is becoming endangered. John remains hopeful that repairs and community resilience will pave the way for a coordinated plan to either rebuild or relocate his village, ensuring the survival of his cultural heritage and lifestyle in the face of climate challenges.
