Hundreds Evacuated from Western Alaska Villages After Historic Storm
KIPNUK, Alaska – A historic mass evacuation is underway in Western alaska after a powerful storm caused widespread devastation to coastal communities. hundreds of residents are being airlifted from remote villages accessible onyl by air, with many heading to the regional hub of Bethel and other safe shelters.
The evacuation began in response to the storm’s impact, leaving residents facing immense hardship as winter approaches. “People are devastated,” said Jacqui Lang, who is assisting with the evacuation efforts. “They don’t want to leave.”
As of Wednesday night, October 15, 2025, sheltering operations had expanded beyond bethel, were the armory building housing around 100 evacuees was nearing capacity. State emergency management officials reported that “hundreds of survivors are being relocated to safe, warm shelters outside the region in coordination with local communities, tribal organizations, the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation, and the Association of village Council Presidents.”
Efforts are also focused on assessing and repairing damage to homes to enable residents to return quickly. “We’re going to look to do that in every community that we can, to get people back into their homes,” stated Zidek, a state official involved in the response. “We’re preparing to provide intermediate and long term shelter to folks that cannot return to their home in the short term.”
The American Red Cross has deployed additional staff to Anchorage and Bethel to support sheltering and mass care needs. The World Central Kitchen is providing meals to survivors in shelters, and The Salvation Army is coordinating donations and shelter resources.
State emergency operations centers have received mutual aid from Colorado, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas, and Arkansas.
Daily News reporter Bella Biondini contributed to this report.
