Post by : Rameen Ariff

Oct 14, 2025 – Alaska and U.S.: One person has died and two remain missing in western Alaska after the remnants of Typhoon Halong swept through the region over the weekend. The storm brought hurricane-force winds, flooding, and storm surges, washing away homes and leaving communities in devastation. More than 50 people were rescued, some from rooftops, while officials warned of a long recovery ahead as winter approaches.

Impact on Alaska Communities

The villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were among the hardest hit. U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Christopher Culpepper described the damage as “absolute devastation.” Alaska State Troopers reported that at least 51 people and two dogs were rescued in these areas. A woman was confirmed dead in Kwigillingok, and two people remain unaccounted for. In Kipnuk, authorities later confirmed that no one was missing.

Residents faced power outages, damaged home-heating stoves, ruined food supplies, and disrupted water access. These damages could make surviving the harsh Alaskan winter even more challenging, as communities rely on stored food from hunting and fishing. Many residents had sought shelter in local schools, according to the Coastal Villages Region Fund.

Locals described the storm as the worst they had ever seen. Jamie Jenkins, a resident of Napakiak, recalled how fast-rising waters forced evacuations, while Adaline Pete of Kotlik reported unprecedented wind speeds that flipped an unoccupied house but kept her family safe.

Political Response and Recovery Plans

During a news conference, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy and U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan emphasized the need for climate resilience and infrastructure funding. The officials highlighted that storm mitigation and erosion control projects take time but are increasingly necessary due to more frequent and intense storms.

Alaska’s Vulnerability to Climate Change

Kwigillingok, home to around 380 residents, is a low-lying Alaska Native community on the western shore of Kuskokwim Bay. Studies show that flooding frequency and severity have increased in recent years, with erosion and melting permafrost threatening homes and infrastructure. Relocation and long-term mitigation are considered urgent priorities for such communities.

Severe Weather Elsewhere in the U.S.

The storm system affected multiple regions across the country. In New York City, a woman was killed by a falling solar panel, and the Columbus Day Parade was canceled. Phoenix, Arizona, saw flash flooding that swept away a man’s truck, while heavy rain and microbursts caused significant damage, including uprooted trees, roof damage, and widespread power outages.

In Southern California, crews prepared for potential mudslides in wildfire-affected areas, with a flood watch issued and several inches of rain expected. The Sierra Nevada was forecasted to receive up to 3 feet of mountain snow, raising concerns for communities already impacted by fires.

Meteorologists emphasize that these extreme weather events, including remnants of typhoons and nor’easters, reflect increasing volatility in U.S. weather systems. Authorities continue rescue operations and urge residents in affected areas to stay vigilant and follow safety protocols.

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