Kwigillingok Faces Uncertain Future After Devastating Typhoon

Fri Nov 07 2025 09:54:43 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Alaskan village of Kwigillingok is grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Halong, which caused severe flooding and destruction. As the winter approaches, the fate of its remaining residents and the viability of the community hangs in the balance.

Kwigillingok, Alaska, is in the recovery phase after being hit hard by the remnants of Typhoon Halong, which resulted in uprooted homes and severe displacement. With winter closing in, the remaining residents question the future of their village, as state efforts focus on repairs and support. The narrative highlights the emotional toll of survival and the hope for a sustainable solution amidst climate change challenges.

KWIGILLINGOK, Alaska — As the final evacuees departed from Kwigillingok in helicopters and small planes, Darrel John stood on the boardwalk, carefully maneuvering around debris strewn across the swampy land. He is one of only seven residents who opted to stay in the village in the wake of Typhoon Halong's destruction.

Last month, this devastating natural disaster uprooted homes, displacing many residents, and leading to one death and two missing persons. The typhoon's remnants caused widespread flooding, leaving a trail of devastation as community members grapple with significant losses.

“I just couldn’t leave my community,” John said, noting his commitment to help address the challenges faced in the aftermath of the storm.

Governor Mike Dunleavy has stated that the primary focus of the state is on repairing the village and providing support to over 1,600 displaced individuals, many of whom have ended up in Anchorage. The process of recovery could take up to 18 months, raising concerns about whether residents will ever return to a community now threatened by climate change.

“A lot of people have claimed they’re not returning. They don’t want to do this again,” remarked Louise Paul, a resident of Kipnuk, the worst-hit village, expressing the fear that flooding events could recur as climate change intensifies.

The challenges faced in Kwigillingok and similar villages reflect a reality many in Alaska are experiencing: the ramifications of climate change coupled with severe weather events that threaten traditional ways of life.

Despite ongoing repair efforts, both John and other villagers are left pondering the future viability of their homes and whether they will need to permanently relocate.

For John, the emotional weight is heavy. “This is our land,” he remarked, pleading for solutions to preserve their way of life while considering the changing landscape they inhabit. As winter nears, residents continue to hope for rebuilding efforts that will allow them to stay connected to their community and culture.