Residents in Napakiak, a village in western Alaska, are bracing for a third storm in a week after enduring heavy flooding caused by the swelling of the Kuskokwim River due to intense rainfall. Job Hale, a minister in the village, had to rescue residents using a front loader to navigate flooded homes. The sudden rise in water levels caught many off guard, as it was not typical seasonal flooding that residents usually prepare for by elevating homes and securing belongings.
Despite efforts to move vehicles to higher ground and secure water tanks, the flooding reached up to 3 feet inside elevated homes, forcing some residents to seek evacuation assistance. Erosion, worsened by climate change-induced permafrost melting, is an ongoing issue in Napakiak, with the village school having to be closed and relocated due to its proximity to the eroding riverbank.
While the recent storms caused coastal flooding in various western Alaska communities, no major health issues or property damage were reported. The upcoming storm, fueled by the remnants of typhoon Ampil, is expected to bring more precipitation and gusty winds to the region. The village of Napakiak, situated about 10 miles southwest of Bethel, faces further challenges as they prepare for the impact of the approaching storm.
Renewed efforts are underway to address the long-standing erosion issues in Napakiak, with plans to rebuild the village school in a safer location away from the eroding riverbank. Despite the resilience and preparedness of residents, the frequency and intensity of these storms pose ongoing challenges to the community, highlighting the vulnerability of Alaska’s coastal areas to the effects of climate change.
