Alaska is hurting tonight. The remnants of Typhoon Halong have torn through the state’s western and southern coasts, unleashing powerful winds, catastrophic flooding, and widespread destruction across multiple coastal communities.
Entire neighborhoods are underwater. Roads have been washed away. Homes and fishing vessels — the lifeblood of Alaska’s coastal towns — have been destroyed or swept out to sea. Emergency crews are working around the clock to rescue stranded residents and restore critical infrastructure.
Officials describe the storm as one of the most severe to hit Alaska in decades. Wind gusts exceeding 100 miles per hour battered the coast, while storm surges inundated towns from Nome to Kodiak Island, cutting off electricity and communication in some areas.
“This is devastation on a historic scale,” said Governor Mike Dunleavy during an emergency briefing. “Entire communities have been displaced. Our first priority is saving lives and ensuring that every Alaskan has shelter and safety tonight.”
Local authorities and the National Guard have mobilized rescue operations, using boats and helicopters to reach remote villages where floodwaters continue to rise. Shelters have been established in school gymnasiums and churches, offering food, warmth, and temporary housing to families who have lost everything.
Meteorologists say Typhoon Halong, which formed thousands of miles away in the western Pacific, weakened as it crossed the ocean but still packed enough energy to unleash chaos when it merged with a cold front over the North Pacific. The resulting storm system created an unprecedented combination of tropical moisture and Arctic air — a perfect recipe for destruction.
Across social media, Americans from every state are expressing support and concern for Alaska’s storm victims, using the hashtag #PrayForAlaska to share messages of solidarity and calls for aid.
“Even though this storm began halfway around the world, its impact is being felt right here at home,” wrote one Anchorage resident. “We’re strong, but we need help.”
As recovery begins, Alaskans are facing a long, uncertain road ahead.
Let’s keep them in our thoughts and prayers — and stand ready to help — as they rebuild their lives after this historic and heartbreaking storm.
