Remnants of Typhoon Merbok hit Alaska’s coastal communities hard

Remnants from Typhoon Merbok brought the strongest storm to hit the region this early in the fall, and was enabled by Pacific waters that were the warmest on record going back about 100 years. With waves reaching over 50 feet, record-high flooding, and near hurricane-force winds, homes were pushed off their foundations and critical infrastructure destroyed or damaged. 

In addition to disrupting the local economy, the storm left lasting effects on families who were stocking up for the winter. The area is home to remote, indigenous communities that may only have one grocery store or a single power source. Ravaged protective barriers left communities at risk for flooding and fresh water systems vulnerable. 

The road to recovery was long—it was still storm season and with winter approaching, time was of the essence. Reaching hard-hit areas by air, our Relief Team distributed sandwiches, fresh fruit, shelf-stable food product, and water in Hooper Bay, Unalakleet, and many more cities.