Flooding in Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Napakiak, and other communities around Western Alaska has displaced over 1,000 people from their homes. First responders from the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Troopers and the U.S. Coast Guard rescued 51 people on Sunday, Oct. 12. A woman from Kwigillingok died in the flood. Authorities said yesterday that two other Kwigillingok residents are still missing. The flooding originated from Typhoon Halong which hit Japan on Oct. 9.
Yesterday, Oct. 13, Senate President Gary Stevens (R-Kodiak) issued the following statement regarding the terrible flooding:
“The images and reports coming from Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Napakiak, and all the communities around Western Alaska are deeply concerning. Our thoughts are with the families who have been displaced, those injured, and the communities working tirelessly to recover from this unprecedented storm.
“The Senate Majority commends the first responders, the Alaska National Guard, U.S. Coast Guard, and local leaders who have rescued dozens of residents, helped thousands of displaced Alaskans, and continue to work under extremely dangerous conditions.
“The State of Alaska has mobilized all available resources to provide emergency relief, shelter, and essential supplies to those affected. As recovery efforts continue, the state, along with the federal government and all Alaskans, will continue to coordinate in support of these communities.
“The path for Western Alaska to recover will be long and will require a lot of work. We encourage all Alaskans to assist through volunteer support, donations, or other means as we continue to go through this storm. As Alaskans always do in times of adversity, we pull together and help our neighbors.”
Great article, Natalie–90% of it is cutting and pasting Senator Gary Steven’s statement. No mention of how to contribute to relief efforts, no photos or interviews with people living in the region. I bet you were all for defunding NPR, right? You know, the media group with reporters in the region doing real journalism. MRAK is apparently even more of an empty shell these days. Alaska Public Media and the Alaska Beacon have substantially more detailed and insightful articles about this disaster for folks who actually want to know what happened and what the region is facing.
NPR “the media group with reporters in the region doing real journalism”? WTF? You make me laugh!