Severe Weather Hits Western Alaska, Evacuations Underway

Wed Oct 22 2025 02:11:19 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Hurricane-force winds and flooding from Typhoon Halong devastate coastal communities in Alaska, leaving homes destroyed and residents in need of rescue.

In western Alaska, the remnants of Typhoon Halong have caused devastating flooding and hurricane-force winds, prompting evacuation efforts in isolated villages like Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. With reports of homes being swept away and multiple residents unaccounted for, state officials ramp up rescue operations as displaced individuals seek shelter at local schools.

More than 30 individuals have been rescued in western Alaska following massive flooding and hurricane-force winds from the remnants of Typhoon Halong. Authorities report that entire homes were swept away in several coastal communities, leading to urgent rescue efforts.

Search and rescue operations are actively ongoing in the villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, where three individuals are still unaccounted for, as stated by Jeremy Zidek, spokesperson for the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

We have received reports that people’s homes have floated away and that individuals potentially remain in those homes, said Zidek. Rescue aircraft have been deployed to the areas, where local officials are coordinating search efforts into the night.

Reports indicate that at least 18 people were rescued in Kwigillingok and 16 in Kipnuk, with local shelters receiving nearly 600 evacuees from Kipnuk and around 300 from Kwigillingok. The situation in the region is particularly perilous due to severe isolation, with many communities lacking accessible roads.

Governor Mike Dunleavy has assured residents that help is being organized, emphasizing that every effort will be made to support those affected. Evacuations and shelter efforts are critical as coastal flooding continues to pose a danger.