Powerful Alaska Storm Destroys Homes and Triggers Emergency Air Rescues in Western Villages
ANCHORAGE, Alaska — A massive search and rescue operation is underway across western Alaska after a powerful coastal storm battered several remote villages, damaging homes and forcing emergency air evacuations, according to Alaska State Troopers.
Severe Flooding and Wind Damage Across Western Villages
Communities in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were among the hardest hit, where intense winds and torrential rain caused widespread flooding overnight. At least eight homes were pushed from their foundations, while floodwaters washed out roads and knocked out power to several areas.
Authorities said storm surges and sustained high winds made many locations inaccessible by land, prompting the deployment of multiple air rescue units.
“This is an active and ongoing search and rescue mission,” officials confirmed in a Sunday afternoon update shared by the Country Herald Weather Center.
State and Federal Agencies Mobilized
The Alaska Air National Guard, Alaska Army National Guard, and U.S. Coast Guard have joined efforts to locate and rescue stranded residents. Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft were dispatched to affected areas early Sunday, delivering emergency supplies and conducting aerial assessments of the damage.
Floodwaters have isolated multiple households, with troopers warning that recovery efforts could be hindered by continued wind and poor visibility. Officials are prioritizing rescues for elderly residents and those requiring medical attention.
Residents in need of immediate help are being urged to contact the Alaska Rescue Coordination Center at 907-551-7230.
Local Communities Rally to Support Survivors
Despite the challenges, community members across western Alaska are mobilizing to assist neighbors and share resources. Photos and messages circulating on local social media channels show families offering shelter and supplies to displaced residents.
“Everyone is pitching in however they can,” one resident wrote. “People are scared, but we’re staying strong together.”
Recovery Efforts to Continue Into the Week
State emergency management officials say damage assessments will begin once conditions improve, though additional rainfall and coastal flooding could complicate cleanup through early next week.
Road and utility crews are standing by to restore power and access as soon as floodwaters recede. The Alaska Department of Transportation has warned of ongoing hazards, urging residents to stay indoors and away from flooded areas until rescue teams complete their operations.
The storm is one of the strongest to strike Alaska’s western coast this fall, highlighting the increasing vulnerability of remote Arctic and subarctic communities to severe weather and coastal erosion.
For continued coverage of this developing story, visit SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
