U.S.
As winter nears, Alaska National Guard continues recovery efforts after Typhoon Halong
Stars and Stripes
October 23, 2025
Alaska Organized Militia members assigned to Task Force Bethel continue recovery efforts, including retrieving boats the storm washed away and clearing debris at Chefornak, Alaska, Oct. 21, 2025. (Courtesy photo via Alaska National Guard)
With freezing temperatures fast approaching, the Alaska Organized Militia, which includes the state’s National Guard and volunteer militias, are working to help communities recover from Typhoon Halong before winter sets in.
Members of the Alaska Organized Militia’s Task Force Bethel cleared debris and retrieved boats the storm washed away at Chefornak, Alaska, on Tuesday, according to a service news release.
“We will continue to evacuate as the need arises,” said Col. John James, commander of Task Force Bethel, per the release. “Our focus now is on debris removal and securing more support and supplies.”
Alaska Organized Militia members assigned to Task Force Bethel continue recovery efforts, including retrieving boats the storm washed away and clearing debris at Chefornak, Alaska, Oct. 21, 2025. (Courtesy photo via Alaska National Guard)
Alaska Organized Militia members assigned to Task Force Bethel continue recovery efforts, including retrieving boats the storm washed away and clearing debris at Chefornak, Alaska, Oct. 21, 2025. (Courtesy photo via Alaska National Guard)
Alaska Organized Militia members assigned to Task Force Bethel continue recovery efforts, including retrieving boats the storm washed away and clearing debris at Chefornak, Alaska, Oct. 21, 2025. (Courtesy photo via Alaska National Guard)
Working with state, federal, tribal, and volunteer partners, AKOM members are restoring essential services and helping residents prepare for freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall.
“We live a subsistence lifestyle,” said Walter Nelson, a Napakiak leader. “Some of our homes have lost all their winter food storage.”
On Wednesday, President Donald Trump approved $25 million in disaster aid for Alaska after back-to-back storms devastated coastal villages and displaced about 2,000 people.
The Alaska Air and Army National Guard, along with the Coast Guard, led evacuation efforts across several coastal communities after the remnants of Typhoon Halong brought a record storm surge to the region. The operation became one of the largest airlifts in Alaska’s history.
The villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were impacted the most. The flooding has killed one person and left two others missing.