Climate Change Hits Indigenous Villages in Alaska Hard: A Region Facing Catastrophic Land Collapse
In the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta of south-western Alaska, the storm that swept through on October 11th, Typhoon Halong, was a stark reminder of the region's precarious situation. The Category 2 hurricane-force winds and record tides wreaked havoc on at least 15 villages in the area, leaving thousands without homes or power.
The extent of the devastation is staggering: almost all residents of Kipnuk village were evacuated by military aircraft, with many taken to shelters in Anchorage. In Kwigillingok, where a ground-breaking ceremony had been held just days before, 90% of the village's homes were destroyed.
Climate change has long been a pressing concern in this region, which is warming at nearly four times the global average. The Yukon-Kuskokwim delta sits atop fragile permafrost that is increasingly vulnerable to thawing and erosion, posing a threat to the very foundations of these communities.
For many of these villages, climate-resilient infrastructure has been a major challenge. The Alaska Institute for Justice notes that competition for limited funding can make it difficult for communities to secure the necessary resources to defend themselves against the impacts of climate change.
A recent federal disaster declaration by Governor Mike Dunleavy has unlocked some FEMA aid for coastal communities, but concerns remain about whether Kipnuk village will be rebuilt and what its future holds. Climate scientist Rick Thoman warns that more northward-moving typhoons are likely on the horizon, and Alaskans need to know what to expect.
For now, residents like Lacey Paul, who reunited with her dog in a downtown shelter, find comfort in the familiar rhythms of life. But as the climate continues to intensify, the resilience of these communities will be put to the ultimate test.
The phrase "we know this land" takes on a new meaning in Kipnuk village, where the very foundations are being pushed to their limits. As Tony Paul, a young villager, said from the school porch, one of few buildings spared by the storm: "We know this land."
In the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta of south-western Alaska, the storm that swept through on October 11th, Typhoon Halong, was a stark reminder of the region's precarious situation. The Category 2 hurricane-force winds and record tides wreaked havoc on at least 15 villages in the area, leaving thousands without homes or power.
The extent of the devastation is staggering: almost all residents of Kipnuk village were evacuated by military aircraft, with many taken to shelters in Anchorage. In Kwigillingok, where a ground-breaking ceremony had been held just days before, 90% of the village's homes were destroyed.
Climate change has long been a pressing concern in this region, which is warming at nearly four times the global average. The Yukon-Kuskokwim delta sits atop fragile permafrost that is increasingly vulnerable to thawing and erosion, posing a threat to the very foundations of these communities.
For many of these villages, climate-resilient infrastructure has been a major challenge. The Alaska Institute for Justice notes that competition for limited funding can make it difficult for communities to secure the necessary resources to defend themselves against the impacts of climate change.
A recent federal disaster declaration by Governor Mike Dunleavy has unlocked some FEMA aid for coastal communities, but concerns remain about whether Kipnuk village will be rebuilt and what its future holds. Climate scientist Rick Thoman warns that more northward-moving typhoons are likely on the horizon, and Alaskans need to know what to expect.
For now, residents like Lacey Paul, who reunited with her dog in a downtown shelter, find comfort in the familiar rhythms of life. But as the climate continues to intensify, the resilience of these communities will be put to the ultimate test.
The phrase "we know this land" takes on a new meaning in Kipnuk village, where the very foundations are being pushed to their limits. As Tony Paul, a young villager, said from the school porch, one of few buildings spared by the storm: "We know this land."
This is wild! I mean, we knew climate change was gonna hit some areas hard but the fact that it's hitting Indigenous villages in Alaska like this is just devastating. I need to see some numbers on how many homes were lost and what kinda funding is being sent to rebuild. What's the timeline looking like for Kipnuk village to be rebuilt? 
climate change is literally hitting indigenous villages in Alaska SO hard right now like 15 villages were affected and thousands are left homeless 
& I'm just wondering how come our governments r not doing more to help them ASAP? I mean, we all know about the permafrost thing and how it's getting all unstable but still... what's taking so long? 
we need more funding for climate-resilient infrastructure like yesterday! 
& can't believe they didn't have better warning systems in place for Typhoon Halong 
I wish more people would acknowledge the disproportionate impact on indigenous villages, who have always been the first to feel and bear the brunt of extreme weather events. It's not just infrastructure that needs investment; it's also cultural preservation and community support 
The resilience of these communities will be tested, but what if we don't provide them with the resources and support they need? 
I mean, I get it, resources are tight everywhere, but this is basic human rights we're talking about here. You've got communities struggling to stay dry, and then you throw in some federal aid that's still conditional on certain things... it's just not good enough.
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