Anchorage : The remnants of Typhoon Halong have caused widespread flooding and destruction across western Alaska, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes. Coastal villages, including Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, and Chevak, were hit hardest, with storm surges reportedly reaching six feet above normal tides. Many homes were destroyed or swept away, leaving entire communities struggling with the loss of shelter and basic infrastructure.

Authorities launched one of the largest evacuation operations in recent Alaskan history. Military aircraft and local emergency teams airlifted hundreds of residents to safety, primarily to Anchorage and Bethel. Temporary shelters have been set up in community centers and other facilities, where displaced families are receiving food, medical care, and essential supplies.

The American Red Cross and local volunteers have mobilized to provide critical support, while state and federal agencies assess damage and coordinate relief efforts. Officials warned that the approaching winter will complicate recovery efforts, as many homes remain uninhabitable and the region’s remote terrain makes transporting aid challenging.

Environmental concerns are also mounting. Floodwaters may have contaminated drinking water, and fuel and chemical spills from damaged infrastructure pose additional risks to human health and local wildlife. Local subsistence activities, which many residents rely on for food, have also been disrupted.

No fatalities have been confirmed so far, but some residents remain unaccounted for, and search and rescue operations are ongoing. Experts note that Typhoon Halong highlights the vulnerability of Alaska’s low-lying coastal communities to increasingly severe storms, emphasizing the urgent need for preparedness and resilient infrastructure in the face of climate change.

Typhoon Halong, a powerful Pacific storm, initially formed over the western Pacific Ocean and caused significant damage across parts of East Asia before weakening into a remnant low. Unusually, the storm’s remnants traveled far north, bringing heavy rains and high winds to Alaska a region rarely affected by tropical systems. This rare occurrence underscores the growing impact of shifting weather patterns and climate change, which are allowing storms to reach higher latitudes and affect areas traditionally considered safe from tropical cyclones.

Authorities continue to monitor weather conditions as relief operations proceed, urging residents in vulnerable coastal areas to stay informed and follow official guidance.