In the aftermath of Typhoon Halong, which ravaged parts of western Alaska, officials report that over 1,000 hotel rooms and additional rental options are now available in Anchorage for the hundreds of evacuees displaced from their homes. Becky Windt Pearson, Anchorage’s municipal manager, outlined efforts during a press conference to facilitate the transition of evacuees from large shelters to more private accommodations.
The state will be the lead on moving the individuals who have been evacuated into housing options of their choice, Windt Pearson stated, highlighting the cooperation among local leaders to expedite these efforts. The emergency response has seen over 650 individuals airlifted to Anchorage via military aircraft, following the storm's devastating impact on Yup'ik communities.
At present, approximately 338 people remain in shelters in Anchorage, some located at a sports center on the University of Alaska Anchorage campus. Meanwhile, state officials are increasing their support for housing solutions and essential services as winter approaches.
Officials have warned that some displaced residents may not be able to return home before winter. Debris cleanup and repairs in severely affected communities are ongoing, but as daylight hours dwindle and the cold sets in, time is of the essence.
The scope of the storm's damage is significant, especially in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, both of which have limited accessibility primarily by air or, in summer, by water. With more evacuees potentially arriving in Anchorage, resources are being mobilized to meet these urgent needs.
