Alaska Villages Seek FEMA Approval to Relocate After Typhoon Halong

Two remote Alaska Native villages lost nearly all structures when Typhoon Halong floodwaters receded last October. Homes in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were lifted from foundations and carried down a river. One person died and two others remain missing.

The floodwaters mixed with sewage and fuel oil, creating toxic conditions that affected remaining residents. Both villages sit on thawing permafrost along the Bering Sea coast. Erosion had already weakened foundations before the storm arrived.

Residents of both villages voted to rebuild on higher ground. Tribal leaders say FEMA officials have stated that federal law bars using public assistance funds for relocation. The agency has also cited the need for subsistence communities to remain near the ocean.

In February the state of Alaska requested permanent housing at new sites. The request remains under review. One internal FEMA idea discussed was building elevated homes on skis so they could be moved seasonally.

Kipnuk had received a $20 million EPA grant in March 2024 to reinforce its riverbank. The grant was later terminated. Kwigillingok had been approved for a FEMA BRIC grant to study relocation before that program ended. The state government and Sen. Lisa Murkowski have asked federal agencies to allow more flexibility for rebuilding in safer locations.

Interior Department funding of $20 million was announced for 16 villages including the two affected communities. Residents are now living in apartments in Anchorage and Bethel. Tribal administrator Rayna Paul said housing assistance from FEMA ended sooner than expected.