Alaska airlifts residents from storm-hit coastal villages

Alaska officials are conducting one of the state’s largest airlifts to move hundreds of people from coastal villages devastated by the remnants of Typhoon Halong, according to the Associated Press. The storm brought record water levels to Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, washing away homes and killing at least one person. Two others remain missing, officials said.

Jeremy Zidek, spokesperson for the state emergency management office, said more than 1,000 residents from the two villages were being evacuated, with about 300 flown to Anchorage. Mark Roberts, the agency’s incident commander, said the focus is ensuring people are safe and warm while essential services are restored. State officials said some homes cannot be reoccupied, and local leaders have urged residents not to return due to safety concerns.