Typhoon Halong Brings Destruction to Western Alaska; Here’s How to Help

By Noah Patton, NLIHC Director of Disaster Recovery and Meghan Mertyris, NLIHC Disaster Housing Policy Analyst 

One of the most significant airlifts in Alaska’s history is occurring in the aftermath of Typhoon Halong in Western Alaska. The typhoon, which struck Alaska from October 11 to 12, 2025, initially impacted coastal Japan before reversing course into the Bering Sea. The storm tracked more westward than anticipated, heavily impacting communities along the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. The communities of Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, and Napakiak were hit hardest.  

At least one person was killed, and two people are missing due to the storm. Around 1,600 have sought emergency shelter throughout the region. While damage assessments are ongoing, damage in the impacted area was widespread, with significant housing damage reported. The coastal villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok saw water rise 6 feet above normal. In Kipnuk alone, authorities said that 121 homes have been destroyed—a significant percentage of available housing in that small coastal village.  

Much of the population in the impacted communities are Alaska Native, largely speaking the Yupik language. These coastal areas of Alaska have long dealt with the climate impacts of sea level rise and melting permafrost that have threatened their areas. The remoteness of these areas makes response and recovery even more difficult. Roads are not available to reach these areas, requiring emergency supplies and evacuations to be conducted by air. The recovery from Typhoon Halong is further complicated by the fact that many impacted residents practice subsistence lifestyles. With this disruption and destruction happening so close to winter, it will be difficult for many to return to their homes and survive in the short term.  

Most evacuees have been evacuated to Bethel, the largest community in the region, which was spared the worst of the storm. Supplies have dwindled as that town of 6,000 received over 1,600 evacuees. The state initiated further emergency evacuations, taking evacuated individuals to larger areas like Anchorage, where a sports complex served as a temporary shelter.  

In response to these recent severe storms, including Typhoon Halong, local community organizations and regional partners have convened to create the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund, housed at the Alaska Community Foundation. The Fund will provide support to affected communities for immediate relief, recovery support, and long-term resilience, including disaster preparedness initiatives. To support this effort, visit the Western Alaska Disaster Relief Fund website for more information.