These Alaska Villages Were Swept by Typhoon, Fighting FEMA Over Flood Zone Rebuilds
These Alaska villages were swept away – These Alaska villages were swept by typhoon Halong in late October 2025, causing devastating floods along the Bering Sea coast. Two remote Native communities, Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, faced unprecedented destruction as powerful currents swept away homes, schools, and essential infrastructure. The event left one life lost, two missing, and a toxic mix of sewage, fuel oil, and debris lingering in the air and on residents’ clothes. This disaster has thrust the villages into a critical debate about whether to rebuild in the same flood-prone area or seek safer ground.
Flood Zone Challenges and Relocation Debates
The aftermath of the typhoon revealed a dire situation: over 1,000 people were displaced, and the permafrost erosion, accelerated by climate change, made the current locations increasingly unstable. While the immediate threat has passed, the risk of future disasters remains high. For Alaska, a region experiencing rapid warming, such events are now part of a growing pattern, with the western coast seeing three federally declared disasters in just three years. The question for Kipnuk and Kwigillingok is whether to remain in the flood zone or take steps to relocate.
FEMA’s stance on rebuilding has intensified the villagers’ struggle. Despite the clear danger, the federal agency insists on funding in-place reconstruction, arguing that the law restricts the use of public assistance for relocation. This has led to frustration among tribal leaders, who believe the policy is outdated. “Our people understand that the village is no longer safe,” said Kipnuk tribal administrator Rayna Paul. “We’re not just rebuilding; we’re gambling with their future.”
The debate highlights a conflict between immediate recovery and long-term resilience. While FEMA promotes adaptive strategies like elevating structures or building on mobile platforms, these solutions do little to address the root cause: the villages’ exposure to rising sea levels. Some experts suggest that relocating to higher ground, though costly, would be the most sustainable path. However, the current funding framework has left many communities in limbo, forced to choose between repairing damage or planning for a more secure future.
Federal Policy and Funding Constraints
Under the Trump administration, programs designed to support climate resilience were frozen, limiting the ability of communities to invest in relocation. Two Biden-era grants intended to aid Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were later rescinded, deepening the challenge. In February, Alaska’s state government requested FEMA to fund permanent housing, but the process is still pending. Without financial backing, the villages remain trapped in a cycle of rebuilding, with little hope of escaping the flood zone permanently.
Senator Lisa Murkowski of Alaska has voiced support for flexible policies, urging the government to prioritize long-term safety over short-term fixes. “We need to secure flexibilities as these communities seek safer locations,” said Hannah Ray, a spokesperson for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. Murkowski’s push reflects a growing recognition that the existing system is ill-equipped to handle the accelerating impacts of climate change. Meanwhile, tribal leaders argue that the current approach ignores the environmental and cultural risks of remaining in vulnerable areas.
Supporters of the relocation effort emphasize the economic benefits of proactive measures. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell once noted that every dollar invested in resilient infrastructure could save six dollars in recovery costs. However, policy decisions have favored immediate reconstruction, leaving communities like Kipnuk and Kwigillingok to grapple with the reality of their situation. The debate over whether to rebuild in the flood zone continues, with the fate of these villages hinging on a decision that could set a precedent for climate adaptation nationwide.
