On October 12, 2025 a large typhoon swept across Western Alaska, wiping out many different villages. The storm reached 60 mph, and as a result, it destroyed homes, and set people afloat.
According to the Alaska Beacon, in the Kipnuk and Kwigillingok region, more than 50 people have been saved, hundreds of people have been displaced, and at least one person has been found dead.
The storm was abnormal to the region for many different reasons, and it’s most likely because of the Pacific Ocean’s warmer temperatures this fall. Additionally, the timing of the storm means that it’s going to take a very long time to recover for the hard-hit communities, according to Alaska meteorologist Rick Thoman.
It is going to be a long and difficult recovery for places like Kipnuk. This is because of how hard it is to get goods into Alaska, even before the storm. There aren’t roads for trucks to drive on and drop things off, and planes can only ship in small amounts because of how small the runways are. The most likely way for them is to have the National Guard bring in supplies to rebuild.
The other issue facing recovery is the people who can help rebuild. In Alaska it isn’t very simple to rebuild, especially in such remote communities. They will have to find money and workers who can help do the construction and other work to repair.
Overall, the floods in Alaska have been nothing short of devastating. To help people in need, donate to organizations like the American Red Cross.
