Anthony Yates
Hurricane-force winds up to 100 miles per hour battered parts of Western Alaska over the weekend. Authorities have reportedly rescued dozens of people, although at least one person has died, and several were missing.
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What happened: According to a report by CBS News, the remnants of Typhoon Halong are responsible for the high winds, storm surges, and flooding.
- The outlet cites Alaska State Troopers, who reportedly announced they rescued at least 51 people and two dogs in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. Authorities noted that two people remained missing in Kwigillingok and confirmed one woman had died. The Alaska State Troopers posted an update on Facebook Monday, stating there are no longer any missing persons.
- Per AP News, the weather was so severe that it swept some homes away. Emergency services reportedly rescued several stranded people from rooftops. CBS reports that many residents have taken shelter in local schools.
- The Coastal Villages Region Fund reportedly said many houses in the area are without power or running water. The organization also noted that the power outage affected frozen food stocks, which may cause problems for households that rely on those to make it through the season.
Reports Suggest More Than 1000 People Displaced From Their Homes In Alaska
Absolute devastation: A report by the Anchorage Daily News estimates that at least 1,000 people have been displaced from their homes in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. The National Weather Service reportedly announced record tidal surges alongside the hurricane-force winds.
- Alaska State Troopers have posted multiple news updates since the weekend. In their most recent report, authorities announced a helicopter would deliver generators and fuel to communities.
- U.S. Coast Guard Sector Western Alaska Capt. Christopher Culpepper reportedly addressed the situation in a briefing on Monday. He described the conditions in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok as “absolute devastation.” He added, “If you imagine the worst-case scenario, that’s what we’re dealing with.”
- Per Alaska Public, the wind started to soften on Monday as the storm moved North over the Beaufort Sea. Carson Jones, a Lead Weather Forcaster, explained that the weather in the most affected areas has now returned to normal.
