Dozens rescued in western Alaska after remnants of Typhoon Halong cause some people to go missing
The latest reports and videos coming out of Bethel, Alaska, showcase the severe flooding caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong in western Alaska. The storm has led to widespread destruction along the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, forcing families to evacuate as rescuers search for missing individuals. The coastal storm transitioned into the Bering Sea over the weekend, bringing with it powerful hurricane-force winds, large waves, and significant coastal flooding to the Kuskokwim Delta region and communities located south of the Bering Strait. However, the relentless storm surge and heavy rainfall have persisted since the previous week due to another storm system’s influence, exacerbating an already dire situation.
Multiple images and videos from Bethel have depicted the devastating impact of the flooding, with boats being washed away and critical infrastructure sustaining damage. Photos shared by Alaska’s Emergency Management revealed numerous homes surrounded by floodwaters, while reports from the National Weather Service indicated wind gusts reaching up to 100 mph. Additional footage from Emmonak captured the forceful winds and waves causing a boat to capsize, further emphasizing the intensity of the weather conditions.
Alaska State Troopers reported conducting over 30 rescue operations in communities across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta during the weekend, with 18 individuals saved in Kwigillingok and another 16 in Kipnuk. Rescue efforts involved multiple agencies such as Alaska State Troopers, the Alaska Air National Guard, the Alaska Army National Guard, and the US Coast Guard, all working tirelessly to aid in the search for missing persons.
The situation remains critical as authorities strive to determine the exact number of individuals unaccounted for in Kipnuk, with preliminary reports indicating at least three missing persons in Kwigillingok. A Coastal Flood Warning is currently in effect for much of coastal Alaska, with water levels expected to rise between 4 and 6 feet above normal high tide levels, posing a significant threat to residents and properties in the region.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities conducted damage assessments following the initial coastal storm surge last week, only to face a renewed threat from Typhoon Halong’s remnants over the past weekend. The severity of the devastation caused by Halong has raised concerns, with some experts suggesting that it may surpass the impact of Typhoon Merbok in 2022. The relentless forces of nature continue to challenge communities in western Alaska, underscoring the urgent need for ongoing rescue and relief efforts in the affected areas.