Typhoon Remnants Wreak Havoc in Alaska
The remnants of Typhoon Halong unleashed widespread devastation across southwest Alaska during the weekend of October 11 and left a trail of destruction that has displaced more than 1,500 people. Entire communities, including the coastal village of Kipnuk, were nearly obliterated. Officials estimate that up to 90% of structures were destroyed due to flooding, storm surges, and powerful winds.
As recovery efforts continue, emergency services report that homes were swept away, infrastructure was crippled, and at least one person has lost their life. Two others remain missing as of the latest updates.
Typhoon Halong Leaves a Trail of Destruction
Senator Lisa Murkowski, after visiting the affected communities, described the damage as overwhelming and warned that recovery will take years. She emphasized the resilience of Alaskans but acknowledged that many face an uncertain future as they confront the immense task of rebuilding homes and livelihoods.
Governor Mike Dunleavy echoed these concerns. He stated that it could take up to 18 months before residents of some villages are able to return. He has requested a federal disaster declaration from the White House, which would unlock vital resources and funding to support recovery efforts.
Preparing for natural disasters in the US is essential, especially if you live in rural areas like Alaska.
Federal Aid Urgently Needed
Alaska’s congressional delegation (Senator Murkowski, Senator Dan Sullivan, and Representative Nick Begich) jointly appealed to the federal government for immediate assistance. Their letter emphasized that the scale of destruction exceeds the state’s capacity to respond on its own. With winter approaching and transportation networks already limited, the lawmakers stressed the urgent need for federal aid to restore housing, utilities, and heating supplies before freezing conditions set in.
The Alaska National Guard has been mobilized to assist in rescue and relief operations. As of October 16, more than 600 survivors had been airlifted from Bethel to Anchorage for shelter and medical care. The state’s emergency operations center remains on high alert as it coordinates large-scale evacuations and dispatches supplies for emergency infrastructure repairs.
Challenges Compounded by Harsh Climate
Alaska’s rugged geography and extreme weather continue to complicate recovery efforts. Many remote villages remain accessible only by air or boat, which makes it difficult to deliver help efficiently. State officials warn that some areas may not be inhabitable through the coming winter.
Governor Dunleavy noted that agencies are prioritizing rapid repairs, but the harsh Arctic climate could render some communities temporarily unviable for winter occupancy. Emergency shelters in Bethel, Anchorage, and surrounding towns are currently housing hundreds of displaced residents.
In addition to accessibility issues, the state faces logistical challenges in transporting essential materials such as building supplies, fuel, and medical equipment to these isolated areas. Snow and ice conditions can further delay travel and limit the ability of emergency crews to reach communities in need. This also impacts long-term reconstruction projects, as heavy machinery and construction crews may be unable to operate efficiently under extreme weather conditions.
The severe Arctic winter conditions also create heightened risks for displaced residents. Without restored heating and reliable electricity, families are vulnerable to frostbite, hypothermia, and other cold-related hazards. The combination of damaged infrastructure and limited accessibility increases reliance on temporary shelters and emergency support networks, which are already stretched thin.
Lessons for the Future
The disaster has reignited debate over the cancellation of a $20 million Environmental Protection Agency grant that had been designated for flood and coastal erosion prevention in Kipnuk earlier this year. Although federal officials defended the decision, critics argue that preventative measures might have mitigated the storm’s impact.
Senator Murkowski acknowledged that while the funding might not have arrived in time to stop this specific event, the recent destruction highlights the urgent need for long-term investments in climate resilience and infrastructure protection across Alaska’s vulnerable coastal communities.
As Alaska confronts the aftermath of Typhoon Halong’s remnants, residents and officials alike are focused on rebuilding and strengthening their communities. The scale of the disaster serves as a reminder of the growing vulnerability of Arctic regions to extreme weather events.
While the immediate priority is providing relief and shelter for those who are displaced, state and federal leaders agree that long-term recovery and future preparedness will require sustained commitment, collaboration, and significant investment.
As an individual, you can plan and prepare for disasters. You can compile a home survival kit and learn how to prepare for floods. You should have at least three days’ worth of water and non-perishable foods, as well as a way to charge your essential devices. It’s also recommended to plan an evacuation route and meeting points with family.
You should also look into home generators that can keep your devices and appliances running. Though there’s an upfront cost, a home generator can be a lifesaver during emergencies and disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alaska Get Typhoons?
Yes, Alaska can be hit by the remnants of typhoons. While true tropical typhoons form in the western Pacific, their energy can travel north and reach Alaska as powerful storms after they transition over colder waters. These systems can bring strong winds, heavy rain, and coastal flooding, much like Typhoon Merbok did in 2022.
When Was the Last Typhoon in Alaska?
The most recent typhoon remnant to hit Alaska was Typhoon Halong, which made landfall near western Alaska around October 12, 2025. Before Typhoon Halong, Alaska experienced Typhoon Merbok in September 2022.
Climate Resilience Advances When Leaders Invest in Protection and Residents Prepare Early
The devastation caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong highlights the urgent need for reliable emergency preparedness in Alaska’s communities. As residents begin the long process of rebuilding, having dependable power sources is essential to maintain safety, warmth, and connectivity during extreme weather events.