Western Alaskans Brace for Upcoming Storm, Reflecting on Halong’s Aftermath

Residents in western Alaska are gearing up for a significant storm this weekend, slightly over a year after Typhoon Halong made landfall, which caused widespread devastation and the relocation of numerous families. The storm’s arrival coincides with the Alaska Federation of Natives Conference in Anchorage, drawing many individuals from the western coast, including Bethel’s Ida Alexie.

Alexie described ongoing recovery efforts in her community, particularly at their fish camp, where erosion caused by last year’s storm has left structures precariously hanging. Hooper Bay’s mayor, Jonathan Smith, indicated that preparations for necessary evacuations are underway. While the storm is not anticipated to be as destructive as Halong, for many, the preparations serve as a painful reminder of their past struggles, and the emotional toll of last year’s disaster is still felt.