Rescue Operations Underway in Western Alaska After Typhoon Halong's Remnants Cause Severe Flooding

Rescue teams are actively searching for missing residents and assisting those displaced in western Alaska following severe flooding caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. The storm brought hurricane-force winds and record-breaking storm surges to coastal communities, resulting in significant damage.

In Kwigillingok, three individuals remain unaccounted for, while at least 18 people have been rescued. Similarly, in Kipnuk, 16 residents were evacuated, with authorities working to confirm reports of additional missing individuals. Both villages, located over 400 miles southwest of Anchorage, experienced strong winds and heavy flooding, leading to at least eight homes being pushed from their foundations.

The storm generated wind gusts exceeding 100 mph in western Alaska, comparable to Category 1 or 2 hurricanes. Kusilvak recorded a gust of 107 mph, while Toksook Bay experienced a 100 mph gust. These powerful winds drove dangerous storm surges, causing major flooding in coastal areas. Water levels in Kipnuk reached 14.5 feet on Sunday, surpassing the major flood stage by over 2 feet and breaking the previous record set in 2000 by 1.5 feet.

Originally forming as Typhoon Halong in the northern Philippine Sea earlier this month, the storm skirted Japan without making landfall before crossing the North Pacific Ocean. By the time it entered the Bering Sea this weekend, it had transitioned from a tropical system but retained its strength.

Governor Mike Dunleavy expanded a state disaster declaration to include areas impacted by the weekend storm, stating, "Every effort will be made to help those hit by this storm. Help is on the way." The initial declaration, issued on Thursday, addressed damage in western Alaska caused by another powerful coastal storm earlier in the week that brought extensive flooding.

Senator Dan Sullivan noted, "FEMA is in direct contact with state and local officials and has an incident management team traveling to Alaska as we speak with a FEMA search-and-rescue group pre-positioned in Washington on standby. According to FEMA, the government shutdown is not impacting the agency's response to this emergency."

Search efforts are ongoing, with assistance from the Alaska Air National Guard, Alaska Army National Guard, and the U.S. Coast Guard. Authorities continue to monitor the situation and provide aid to affected communities.