by Bethel, Alaska – Western Alaska is grappling with catastrophic flooding after the remnants of Typhoon Halong unleashed hurricane-force winds, heavy rain, and storm surges across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. The disaster has claimed the life of one woman and forced the rescue of 51 residents and two dogs from severely affected villages.
The powerful coastal storm moved through the Bering Sea on October 12, 2025, combining with ongoing heavy rains from an earlier system to create unprecedented flooding. Communities such as Kwigillingok and Kipnuk experienced severe inundation, infrastructure damage, and widespread evacuations.
Unprecedented Flooding and Impact on Communities
The flooding has overwhelmed villages, damaging critical infrastructure in over 50 community airports and roadways. Many Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta villages rely solely on local airports for connection to the outside world, amplifying the isolation caused by this disaster.
- Over 1,400 people displaced and housed in 12 shelters across the region
- Hurricane-force wind gusts reached up to 100 mph
- Water levels in Kipnuk soared to 6.6 feet above normal high tide, nearly 2 feet above a previous record from 2000
- Over 30 rescues in Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta communities, including 18 in Kwigillingok and 16 in Kipnuk
Photos and videos from the region depict homes surrounded by floodwaters, boats overturned by fierce winds, and infrastructure severely damaged. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reported significant destruction to roads and airport runways, complicating relief efforts.
Emergency Response and Ongoing Challenges
Alaska State Troopers confirmed the death of a woman in Kwigillingok and announced that all residents previously unaccounted for are now safe following multiple rescue operations. The Alaska Rescue Coordination Center has faced a surge in calls for non-critical evacuations, underscoring the scale of the crisis.
“The number of evacuation requests has been overwhelming,” said a spokesperson from the Alaska Division of Homeland Security. “We are deploying additional first responders and the National Guard to support relief efforts.”
State and federal teams have been actively responding, with search and rescue missions ongoing throughout the affected areas. The situation remains critical as coastal flooding warnings persist.
Comparisons and Future Outlook
The flooding from Typhoon Halong’s remnants is considered by local organizations like the Coastal Villages Region Fund to potentially surpass the damage caused by Typhoon Merbok in 2022. Experts are closely monitoring weather updates and emergency officials are preparing for additional impacts.
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For continuous updates and expert insights, visit the full report on Fox Weather.
Community Resilience Amidst Disaster
Despite the devastation, communities in western Alaska are showing remarkable resilience. Emergency shelters and first responders continue to provide critical support while damage assessments and recovery plans are underway.
What’s Next for Western Alaska?
Authorities urge residents and stakeholders to remain vigilant as recovery and cleanup efforts begin. There is a strong focus on repairing damaged infrastructure and ensuring the safety of displaced populations.
Key Takeaways:
- Remain informed about weather advisories and emergency instructions
- Support local relief efforts where possible
- Stay connected to community resources during recovery
What do you think about this devastating flooding disaster in Western Alaska? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
