First responders in Alaska conducted multiple rescues after the remnants of Typhoon Halong Alaska fueled a powerful storm, washing away homes and causing widespread damage. Originating in the northern Philippine Sea on October 5, Halong intensified significant weather impacts across western Alaska from Saturday night into Sunday.
Extreme Winds and Coastal Flooding
Western Alaska faced powerful wind gusts and major coastal flooding. Several locations reported gusts between 40 mph and 60 mph, with isolated peaks exceeding 70 mph. In some areas, water levels rose more than 6 feet above normal high tides, causing destructive flooding along the Bering Sea and the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.
Communities Hit Hard
The towns of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok experienced the worst damage. In Kipnuk, at least eight homes were displaced from their foundations, and 172 residents sought refuge in a community shelter after water levels reached 6.6 feet above the highest tides. Kwigillingok saw at least four homes inundated, with 100 people sheltered overnight amid 6.3-foot tidal surges.
Wider Regional Impacts
Other communities in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, including Bethel, Napaskiak, and Napakiak, reported intense winds, coastal surges, and damage to power, communications, roads, and boardwalks. Alaska State Troopers confirmed that at least 51 people, primarily from Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, were rescued from floodwaters, while three remained missing as of Monday morning. No fatalities have been reported.
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Emergency Response Efforts
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared an emergency on Thursday, expanding it Sunday to cover Yupiit, Pribilof Island, and the Lower Kuskokwim Regional Educational Attendance Areas. “Every effort will be made to help those hit by this storm,” Dunleavy said. Federal and state agencies, including the U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska Air National Guard, deployed helicopters to assist with medical support, search-and-rescue operations, and supply deliveries.
Historical Context
Western Alaska has faced recurring flood threats in recent years. In 2023, a glacier lake outburst from the Mendenhall Glacier destroyed riverside homes near Juneau. Record flood stages of the Mendenhall River in 2024 and August 2025 prompted evacuations and damaged hundreds of homes.
Ongoing Concerns
Despite the storm passing, lingering coastal flooding is expected through Monday. The storm also brought heavy mountain snow to northwestern Alaska before exiting. Local and tribal officials remain on alert as recovery and relief efforts continue in some of the nation’s most remote regions.
“We are all praying for the safety of everyone in Western Alaska,” said Senator Dan Sullivan, who coordinated with FEMA and Homeland Security officials ahead of the storm.
Sources:
Associated Press
