Hundreds Airlifted Out of Storm-Ravaged Southwest Alaska

Over 300 residents of Alaska were evacuated from the state's southwestern coastal region after the remnants of Typhoon Halong sent floodwaters rushing through several communities over the weekend. Here is the latest on this precarious situation.

Hundreds of Alaskans Airlifted to Anchorage

The Alaska National Guard used a military cargo plane to evacuate hundreds of residents to Joint-Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage on Wednesday. The evacuees then boarded buses to take them to an emergency center set up at the Alaska Airlines Center, an events arena in the state's largest city. A spokesperson for the Alaska emergency management office told the media that the plan was to eventually set up the evacuees in hotel rooms or dormitories.

More than 1,500 residents from the primarily indigenous villages lost their homes and businesses when what was left of Typhoon Halong roared up and down the coast on Sunday. The villagers were evacuated because homes were deemed to be unlivable and because more storms on deck this winter will make it challenging to perform the necessary repairs.

Compounding the problem is the remote location of this part of Alaska. With few access roads into the communities, it is difficult to provide aid to those stranded and in need. Residents typically use boats and snowmobiles for travel rather than vehicles on roadways.