The West Coast storm brought powerful winds, coastal surge, and flooding strong enough to lift homes from their foundations — some carried as far as 4 miles away.

Today, the work continues, Rebuilding the community and bringing families back home.

So far, 15 homes have been returned, and 11 remain as recovery efforts continue. Each home is carefully assessed, repaired, reinforced, and moved back into place to ensure it is safe and stable.

Recovery is about more than cleanup, it’s about restoring stability, rebuilding stronger, and moving forward together.

Senate Transportation Legislature Presentation (2025 - 2026)
Presentation: Typhoon Halong Response
Deputy Commissioner Katherine Keith, Merle Sena, and Amber Shumpert

On February 17, 2026, the Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities presented to the Senate Transportation Committee on the State’s response to Typhoon Halong. Deputy Commissioner Katherine Keith, Merle Sena, and Amber Shumpert provided an overview of preparedness efforts, emergency operations, infrastructure impacts, and coordinated recovery actions across affected regions. The presentation highlights lessons learned and ongoing work to strengthen Alaska’s resilience to extreme weather events.

Download Slide Deck       Download Response Letter

Video Update Series

Infrastructure Losses and Community Impacts

Advanced Field Intelligence and Rapid System Response

Winter Emergency Repairs and Ongoing Operations

Innovating Emergency Response

Alaska DOT&PF is transforming emergency response through rapid, technology-enabled assessments that deliver real-time insight when and where it matters most. This innovative approach accelerates damage assessments, improves responder safety, reduces reliance on costly aircraft, and expands access to advanced tools for communities across Alaska.

During the West Coast Storm response, DOT&PF deployed agile response teams supported by resilient communications and advanced imaging - completing assessments for 35 communities in just three days and generating actionable data to support faster, safer decision-making statewide.

By pairing cutting-edge technology with local partnerships, Alaska is not only responding to emergencies more effectively but also building long-term community capacity.

October 21, 2025

• In under 2 weeks, 20 scopes of work were launched in 16 communities, mobilizing 7 contractors for storm recovery
• Within 30 days, 1,480 tons of gravel and a dozer were delivered on October 14, 2025. Two-three more barge loads are on the way.
• On October 21, 2025, contractors sling loaded fuel from Bethel to Kongiganak.

October 20, 2025

• Teams within the Bethel Emergency Operations Center made contact with 75% of the impacted communities

October 15, 2025

• SEOC moved to Preparedness Level 4 - Major Incident Response, Alaska SEOC's highest level. 
• Established Bethel Emergency Operations Center.

October 13–14, 2025

• October 14, 2025: Kipnuk Airport is open following repair work completed by our Maintenance & Operations team. About 82% of Alaska communities are inaccessible by road and depend on aviation for year-round access, making this milestone vital for community connectivity and recovery.
• Runway access restored in key communities; National Guard, DOT&PF, and SEOC coordinated supply deliveries, shelter operations, and damage verification. Recovery planning and data collection intensified.

October 13, 2025

• Announced we have 10 2-person teams are in the field conducting community assessments, drone mapping, and data collection in priority locations.
• Governor Dunleavy Schedules Press Conference on West Coast Storm Response

October 10–12, 2025

• Search and rescue operations saved 51 people in Kipnuk and Kwigillingok.
• The disaster declaration was expanded to include additional communities.