After typhoon remnants devastate Kipnuk, tribal leaders weigh relocation
Four months after the October storm, the Native Village of Kipnuk is voting on rebuilding or moving to higher ground, as damages are estimated at $125 million
Four months after the remnants of Typhoon Halong devastated Western Alaska communities, tribal members in Kipnuk are considering whether to permanently relocate, according to reporting by the Alaska Beacon. The tribal government collected votes from enrolled adult members on whether to rebuild or move to one of two potential sites at least 40 feet above sea level. Rayna Paul, environmental director for the Native Village of Kipnuk, told the Alaska Beacon the vote is intended to serve as a final decision. Bryan Fisher, director of the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, estimated damages from the October storm at $125 million as of early February.
Experts from the University of Alaska Fairbanks said at the Alaska Forum environmental conference that repeated powerful fall storms, including ex-typhoons, have increasingly caused severe damage in populated areas of Western Alaska, the Alaska Beacon reported.
- 1.Yereth Rosen. After remnants of typhoon wrecked their home, Alaska villagers consider possible move. Alaska Beacon, .
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