The morning after Typhoon Halong tore through Western Alaska last October, the village of Kipnuk found itself unrecognizable. Homes—some drifted hundreds of yards inland by the storm surge—sat precariously on the outskirts of what had once been dry land. Residents waded through ankle-deep water, salvaging what they could from the wreckage, while the federal and state agencies tasked with disaster response scrambled to assess the damage. Six months later, survivors are still waiting for more than just temporary aid. They are telling senators that their villages need long-term solutions to survive the next storm—and the one after that.
Typhoon Halong, which made landfall in Alaska in early October 2023, was one of the most powerful storms to hit the region in decades. While Alaska is no stranger to extreme weather, the intensity and unpredictability of Halong caught many off guard. Kipnuk, a remote Yup’ik Eskimo village of roughly 600 people, bore the brunt of the storm’s flooding, with homes and critical infrastructure left submerged or severely damaged. The federal government declared the disaster a major incident, but for many in Kipnuk and neighboring villages, the relief has been slow to arrive—and even slower to address the root causes of their vulnerability.
At a Senate hearing this month, survivors and tribal leaders testified that while disaster aid has provided some immediate relief, it has done little to mitigate the underlying risks. “We’re not asking for handouts,” said one Kipnuk elder during the hearing. “We’re asking for the tools to build back stronger, so we’re not in the same position six months from now.” The call for systemic change comes as Alaska Native villages face mounting pressure from climate change, with rising sea levels and more frequent storms threatening their very existence.
The Human Cost of Halong
In the days following Halong, residents of Kipnuk described scenes of devastation. Homes were swept away, roads were washed out and the village’s water and sewage systems were crippled. The National Weather Service reported storm surges exceeding 15 feet in some areas, far beyond what the community’s aging infrastructure was designed to handle. The immediate aftermath saw a surge of volunteers and relief workers, but as the weeks turned into months, the focus shifted from rescue to recovery—and then to the question of how to prevent this from happening again.
For many in Kipnuk, the lack of permanent housing and reliable utilities has created a crisis of displacement. Some families have been forced to relocate temporarily, while others remain in damaged homes, unsure of when—or if—they will ever return. The emotional toll is just as significant as the physical damage. “We’ve lost so much,” said a resident who asked not to be named. “But what’s worse is knowing that this could happen all over again next year.”
Disaster Aid vs. Long-Term Solutions
Federal disaster aid has provided some relief, with funds allocated for temporary housing, debris removal, and emergency repairs. However, tribal leaders and survivors argue that these measures are not enough. “We need more than just money to fix what’s broken,” said a tribal council member during the Senate hearing. “We need help designing and building infrastructure that can withstand these storms.”
Critics point to a lack of coordination between federal agencies, tribal governments, and local communities as a major obstacle. While the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has been the primary responder, many in Alaska’s Native villages say they have been left out of the decision-making process. “We know our land, our risks, and our needs better than anyone else,” said a tribal leader. “But we haven’t been given a seat at the table.”
Looking Ahead: The Path Forward
The Senate hearing served as a platform for survivors to demand action, but the road ahead remains uncertain. Lawmakers have pledged to review the response to Halong and explore ways to improve disaster preparedness and climate resilience in Alaska’s Native villages. The next critical checkpoint will be the release of a federal report on the disaster response, expected later this summer. This report is anticipated to outline recommendations for long-term infrastructure investments and policy changes.
For now, the people of Kipnuk and other affected villages are left to wait and hope. But their message is clear: Alaska’s Native communities are not asking for charity. They are asking for partnership, for resources, and for a commitment to ensuring that no village is left behind when the next storm hits.
If you or someone you know is struggling with the aftermath of a disaster, resources are available. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990 or via text by messaging “TalkWithUs” to 66746. For updates on disaster recovery efforts in Alaska, visit the FEMA disaster recovery website.
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