Dozens of people were rescued as homes were swept away amid severe flooding over the weekend in Alaska. Remnants of Typhoon Halong brought hurricane-force winds and catastrophic flooding on Sunday.
Rescue aircraft were dispatched to two Alaskan villages Sunday — Kipnuk and Kwigillingok — where there were reports of 20 people possibly unaccounted for, according to CBS News.
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A spokesperson for the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said the agency received reports that entire homes have floated away, potentially with people still inside.
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No fatalities have been reported in the Alaskan flooding, but officials say some people were injured by flying debris.
In a post on X, the Alaska State Troopers said the Alaska Air National Guard, Alaska Army National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard launched rescue aircraft to the villages.
The state troopers said at least eight homes were pushed from their foundations, and about two dozen people were rescued, with three still missing in Kwikillingok. The number of people unaccounted for in Kipnuk remains unclear.
Disaster declaration
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration for the state’s west coast.
“Help is on the way,” he said. “Every effort will be made to help those hit by this storm.”
Dunleavy also announced that those impacted by the storm can apply for Individual Assistance and Temporary Housing programs.
Current conditions
Much of the western coast of Alaska is under a coastal flooding warning until 11 a.m. Monday, according to the National Weather Service. It says water levels could reach three to six feet above the normal highest tide line.
The weather service said portions of the road to the airport could be partially submerged, and airstrip use may be cut off.
CBS News reports nearly 600 people in Kipnuk are taking shelter at a local school. Meanwhile, around 300 are sheltering in Kwigillingok.
