These Alaska villages were swept away by a typhoon. They’re fighting with FEMA to not rebuild in the flood zone

Alaska Villages Swept by Typhoon Fight to Avoid Rebuilding in Flood Zone

These Alaska villages were swept away – These Alaska villages were swept by a typhoon in October 2025, triggering a crisis that has left two coastal communities on the brink of a major decision. The remnants of Typhoon Halong, which had ravaged the Pacific, unleashed destructive flooding that swept away homes, infrastructure, and even parts of the village itself. Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, situated along the Bering Sea coast, now face the daunting task of whether to rebuild in their current location or relocate to higher ground, all while navigating a complex web of federal aid and climate challenges.

The Devastation of a Typhoon’s Reach

The storm’s impact was catastrophic, with floodwaters swallowing entire sections of the villages. In Kipnuk, homes were dismantled by the surge, and in Kwigillingok, residents reported that water levels reached the rooftops. One of the most alarming incidents involved floodwaters lifting caskets from gravesites, a stark reminder of the typhoon’s relentless force. The disaster claimed one life and left two people missing, while the polluted waters carried toxic mixtures of sewage and oil, creating an immediate health hazard for survivors.

For over 1,000 displaced residents, the destruction extended beyond physical losses. Both villages were built on permafrost, a landscape now increasingly unstable due to climate change. As temperatures rise, the ground erodes, weakening the foundations of essential structures like schools and wastewater systems. This environmental shift, combined with the typhoon’s intensity, has left communities grappling with a dual threat: immediate disaster and long-term climate risks.

FEMA’s Challenge in a Shifting Climate

FEMA has been at the center of the debate over rebuilding efforts, with some villagers arguing the agency is pushing them to return to the same vulnerable zones. “We know the current village isn’t safe,” stated Rayna Paul, Kipnuk’s tribal administrator. “FEMA wants to rebuild it, but we’re fighting to avoid that.” The agency’s reliance on the Stafford Act limits its ability to fund full relocation, forcing it to prioritize restoring infrastructure in the original sites rather than moving entire communities.

This legal constraint has created a cycle of repeated damage and reconstruction. Even as climate change accelerates, FEMA’s public assistance funds remain tied to rebuilding in place. Sheryl Musgrove, director of the Alaska Climate Justice Program, called the situation “crazy,” but acknowledged the limitations of the statute. Despite this, some officials suggest innovative solutions, such as elevating homes or using winter conditions to move structures. These ideas, however, are still under consideration as the villages wait for federal approval.

Internally, FEMA has acknowledged the growing risks and the need for adaptive strategies. In February, the state government proposed a plan to create permanent housing for the communities, but the process has stalled. With the threat of another typhoon looming and permafrost thawing faster than expected, the question remains: will These Alaska villages were swept by a typhoon be able to escape the flood zone, or will they be forced to rebuild in a place they know is unsafe?

A Path Forward for Coastal Communities

Some residents are advocating for relocation, but the decision is far from simple. Moving away from the Bering Sea means abandoning the cultural and economic ties that have sustained these subsistence communities for generations. Hunting, fishing, and traditional practices are deeply rooted in the coastal environment, making the idea of relocation both necessary and painful. “We’re not just rebuilding homes—we’re fighting for our way of life,” said a local leader.

Meanwhile, environmental experts warn that the situation is worsening. Alaska, already the fastest-warming state in the nation, has experienced three federally declared disasters in three years. Each event underscores the urgency of investing in resilient infrastructure. Yet, funding for long-term adaptation has been inconsistent, with some programs frozen during the Trump administration. The Biden-era grants that were rescinded now represent a critical opportunity for these villages to secure a safer future.

As the debate continues, the future of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok hangs in the balance. Whether they choose to stay in the flood zone or move to higher ground, the decision reflects a broader struggle between immediate needs and the realities of a changing climate. The resilience of These Alaska villages were swept by a typhoon will be tested, and the outcome could set a precedent for other coastal communities facing similar challenges.