Alaska Storms Sweep Man’s Home Away: ‘I Was Inches from Death’
Severe storms, remnants of Typhoon Halong, wreaked havoc in western Alaska in mid-October. The powerful winds and unprecedented water levels resulted in significant destruction across small communities.
Destruction in Kwigillingok
On October 12, Steven Anaver’s home was swept away in Kwigillingok, leaving him in a precarious situation. He shared his ordeal on social media, describing how he felt “inches away from death.” With record-high water levels, the storm displaced over 2,000 individuals from their homes, prompting one of Alaska’s largest airlift operations.
Rescue Operations
The rising waters began their rapid ascent during the evening of October 11. In the chaos of flooding, state troopers managed to rescue at least 18 people in Anaver’s village alone. Nearby Kipnuk faced similar calamity, with an additional 16 people saved.
- More than 2,000 displaced residents
- At least one death reported
- Two individuals remain missing
By around 3 a.m. on Sunday, October 12, Anaver’s home had water levels rising to his knees in less than ten minutes. As the storm continued, his home began to float, with various belongings—plastic bags, furniture cushions, and more—drifting alongside him.
A Narrow Escape
Conditions worsened, and loud noises filled the air as the strong winds caused his home to sway and collide with other structures. In a desperate moment, Anaver took to photographing the surroundings, relying on the moonlight for visibility once the sun had yet to rise.
After floating for approximately a mile, Anaver’s home came to a halt near a hill that had blocked its path. Once the water receded enough by mid-morning, two neighbors came to his rescue, helping him escape his waterlogged situation.
Impact on Local Communities
Both Kwigillingok and Kipnuk were hit particularly hard by the storm. State troopers reported that at least eight homes were displaced, with both communities enduring severe damage from strong winds and flooding.
The aftermath of this disaster highlights the ongoing vulnerability of these small coastal towns to extreme weather events. Recovery efforts are ongoing as residents work to rebuild their lives following the devastation of Typhoon Halong’s remnants.
