• Over 1,500 residents evacuated from Alaskan villages Kipnuk and Kwigillingok.
• One of the most significant airlifts in Alaska's history is currently underway.
• Severe weather led to catastrophic damage, with homes washed away and lives disrupted.
• Emergency shelters have reached capacity as aid efforts continue.
• Calls for government support spotlight cuts to disaster preparedness funding.

A historic airlift operation is currently ongoing to evacuate hundreds of residents from the coastal villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, which have been severely impacted by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. The storm resulted in unprecedented high water levels, displacing over 1,500 individuals who have sought refuge in makeshift shelters across the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, according to CBS News, Los Angeles Times, and SFGate.

The storm, featuring hurricane-force winds and record storm surges, wreaked havoc on these low-lying Alaska Native communities, which are accessible only by air or water at this time of year. Reports indicate a significant loss of life, with one confirmed fatality and two individuals missing after homes floated away during the disaster, according to Los Angeles Times and Le Monde.

In response to the crisis, about 300 evacuees have been relocated to the Alaska Airlines Center in Anchorage, which can accommodate around 400 people. Meanwhile, other locations in regional hubs like Bethel are reaching capacity for shelter space, with basic supplies critically low, as reported by CBS News and SFGate.

Emergency management teams face significant challenges as assessments of the damage continue. In Kipnuk alone, an estimated 121 homes were destroyed, and many structures in both communities may not be safe for habitation even after repairs, particularly with winter approaching. Mark Roberts of the state emergency management agency emphasized, “We are doing everything we can to continue to support that community, but it is as bad as you can think,” which highlights the severity of the situation, according to Le Monde and CBS News.

The disaster has also raised concerns regarding past funding cuts that have hampered disaster preparedness efforts in these vulnerable Indigenous communities. For example, a $20 million grant intended for erosion protections in Kipnuk was previously terminated by the Trump administration, a decision that has prompted criticism in light of the current crisis. Advocates argue that such funding is essential for helping communities adapt to the impacts of climate change, as noted by Los Angeles Times, Le Monde, and CBS News.