Indoor Air Quality Alert: Alaska Flooding

What is the location of the flooding?

As of October 20, 2025, the remnants of Typhoon Halong produced significant flooding across the region.

The most severely affected area is Western Alaska’s Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) Delta region, including low-lying coastal villages and river communities along the Kuskokwim River and nearby sloughs and creeks.

The storm surge pushed ocean water into interior parts of the delta and produced flooding as far as 60 miles upriver from the coast (1).

Which cities or areas are affected by the flooding?

The following communities and towns were reported directly impacted by flooding, storm surge, or associated wind damage:

• Anchorage
• Bethel
• Emmonak
• Kipnuk
• Kongiganak
• Kotlik
• Kotzebue
• Kwigillingok
• Napakiak
• Nome
• Shaktoolik
• Unalakleet
• Toksook Bay

Many of these communities are accessible only by air or water and depend on local shorelines, river banks and short runways for access, that limits immediate logistics for sheltering and repairs (2).

What is the current containment status of the flooding?

As of October 20, 2025, there is no single "containment" metric for flooding. Emergency response and mitigation efforts are active, and the situation varies by location.

• In some riverine areas such as parts of Bethel, water levels were observed to be on a receding trend after peak tides, and local authorities advised residents to remain off the roads unless necessary while assessments continue. This indicates partial abatement in those neighborhoods.
• In heavily damaged coastal villages such as Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, structural damage and displaced housing mean the community impacts are long-term, local officials and the governor have indicated many residents may not be able to return for many months to more than a year, so "containment" in the sense of restoring community habitability remains an ongoing multi-phase recovery task. A major disaster declaration was requested to support longer-term recovery. (3)
• Search and rescue operations, airlifts and temporary sheltering continue, power restoration and infrastructure assessments are in progress across the region.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Yes. Authorities implemented multiple emergency measures during and immediately after the storm.

Active and reported actions include:

• State disaster declaration: Governor Mike Dunleavy amended a disaster declaration to include the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta communities affected by the storm, enabling state and federal response resources to be mobilized.
• Emergency shelters: Temporary shelters were opened in affected communities (for example, school gyms in village communities and a middle-school gym in Kotzebue). Anchorage established reception centers and used venues such as the Alaska Airlines Center to house evacuees flown out of the delta region.
• Search and rescue activations: The Alaska National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard deployed helicopters and aircraft to rescue and evacuate residents from flooded or floated homes, ground and aerial search activity was ongoing during the response.
• Local advisories: City and borough police and emergency management urged residents to stay off roads where flooding or debris existed, and to follow instructions from local authorities and shelter coordinators. Bethel police specifically advised residents to remain at home and off roads unless necessary while water receded and damage assessments proceeded.

How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?

It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.

• Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
• Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
• If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
• Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
• Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
• Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
• Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
• Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
• If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.

Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.