Major Air Evacuation in Alaska After Typhoon Halong

One of the largest air evacuations in Alaska's history is underway. Hundreds of people are being moved from coastal villages devastated by strong winds and waves caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong.

As a result of the disaster, water levels reached record highs, houses were swept away by the current, in some cases with residents inside. At least one person has died, and two are considered missing. About 1,500 people have been placed in temporary shelters. The situation is particularly severe in the communities of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok.

According to emergency management officials, many homes are no longer habitable, especially with the approaching winter. Many of the evacuees are being transported to the city of Anchorage, 500 miles from the coastal villages.

This crisis has drawn attention to budget cuts made by the Trump administration. Specifically, a $20 million grant from the Environmental Protection Agency to the community of Kipnuk was canceled. It was intended for protection against river erosion. "When a promise is broken, it endangers people's safety, homes, and futures," noted Jill Habig, the head of a human rights organization.