KWIGILLINGOK, Alaska (AP) — As helicopters and small planes flew off with the last evacuees from Kwigillingok, a village devastated by Typhoon Halong, Darrel John remained, one of only seven residents, determined not to abandon his community. The storm uprooted homes and submerged others in the Bering Sea. Amid rising climate threats, the governor's office focuses on repairing villages and supporting over 1,600 displaced individuals in shelters, often in cities far removed from their subsistence lifestyles.
With climate change intensifying storms and rising seas, many residents question their future. Louise Paul, a Kipnuk resident, expressed fears of returning to a place increasingly prone to flooding. Meanwhile, Kwigillingok is the focus of immediate restoration efforts as homes float away like giant toys. As winter approaches and work crews attempt to stabilize the village, a long-term strategy for survival or relocation is urgently needed to ensure community continuity against the backdrop of an ever-changing climate.
With climate change intensifying storms and rising seas, many residents question their future. Louise Paul, a Kipnuk resident, expressed fears of returning to a place increasingly prone to flooding. Meanwhile, Kwigillingok is the focus of immediate restoration efforts as homes float away like giant toys. As winter approaches and work crews attempt to stabilize the village, a long-term strategy for survival or relocation is urgently needed to ensure community continuity against the backdrop of an ever-changing climate.
