Typhoon Halong Devastates 50 Alaska Villages, Displaces 1,800 Amid Recovery Challenges

Typhoon Halong caused widespread devastation across southwestern Alaska, particularly impacting Indigenous communities such as Kwigillingok and Kipnuk, where entire neighborhoods were evacuated and homes were swept away by flooding and hurricane-force winds. The storm led to one confirmed death, two missing persons, and displaced or evacuated more than 1,800 residents, while power outages and damaged infrastructure complicated recovery efforts. Criticism arose over the Trump administration's cancellation of a $20 million grant intended for erosion protection in Kipnuk, highlighting concerns about funding priorities amid increasing climate threats. The typhoon exacerbated ongoing environmental challenges in the region, including thawing permafrost, chronic erosion, and flooding, which threaten both communities and cultural heritage. Archaeologists working in Quinhagak reported significant losses of archaeological sites and artifacts due to accelerated erosion caused by the storm, underscoring the vulnerability of Alaska's history. Emergency responses have included Amazon's donation of over 6,800 supplies to support affected communities and active involvement from the Alaska National Guard in rescue and evacuation operations.