Typhoon Halong Remnants Unleash Catastrophic Flooding and High Winds Across Western Alaska

Widespread Destruction in Western Alaska

The remnants of Typhoon Halong have brought catastrophic flooding and hurricane-force winds to coastal communities across Western Alaska, beginning on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The storm, which tracked further east than initially expected, slammed into the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta coast, causing widespread damage and prompting urgent rescue efforts. Officials have identified Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, and Napakiak as among the hardest-hit areas.

The powerful system generated extreme wind gusts, reaching up to 107 mph in Kusilvak, 100 mph in Tooksook Bay, 78 mph in Kotlik, and 76 mph in Bethel and St Mary's. The immense force of the storm surge and floodwaters swept numerous homes off their foundations, with at least eight homes reported to have been pushed from their foundations in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok alone. Some residents reported their homes floating away, with individuals potentially inside.

Rescue Operations Underway Amidst Damaged Infrastructure

In response to the unfolding disaster, rescue aircraft were immediately dispatched to affected villages, including Kipnuk and Kwigillingok. Agencies involved in the extensive rescue and recovery efforts include the Alaska State Troopers, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Alaska Air National Guard, and the Alaska Army National Guard. As of Sunday night, at least 18 people were rescued in Kwigillingok and 16 people in Kipnuk. Initial reports indicated up to 20 people potentially unaccounted for, with three individuals still missing in Kwigillingok by Sunday evening.

The storm has severely impacted critical infrastructure across the region. Reports indicate extensive damage to roads, boardwalks, and bridges, while power lines have been downed, leading to widespread outages. Some communities also experienced a loss of cell service, relying on backup generators and Starlink satellites for communication. In Bethel, significant flooding occurred, with water spilling over roads near the boat harbor, though the community appeared to escape the level of structural damage seen along the coast.

Official Response and Community Impact

Governor Mike Dunleavy amended a disaster declaration to include the areas affected by Typhoon Halong's remnants, stating, 'Every effort will be made to help those hit by this storm. Help is on the way.' The Bethel Readiness Center was equipped as a 100-bed shelter to accommodate potential evacuees, though no emergency evacuations were mandated.

The severity of the storm has drawn comparisons to ex-Typhoon Merbok, which caused extensive damage in Western Alaska in 2022. Forecasters noted that Halong was fueled by unusually warm waters in the North Pacific, potentially even warmer than those that intensified Merbok. The lack of sea ice during this time of year left coastal communities particularly vulnerable to the storm's powerful surge.

• Water levels in Kipnuk rose 6.6 feet above the highest tide.
• An overturned home was reported in Kotlik.
• No serious injuries or deaths were reported as of Sunday afternoon.