These Alaska villages were swept away by a typhoon. They’re fighting with FEMA to not rebuild in the flood zone

These Alaska Villages Swept by Typhoon Resist FEMA’s Push to Rebuild in Flood Zone

These Alaska villages were swept away by a typhoon in October 2025, leaving behind a stark reminder of the growing climate crisis. Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, two coastal communities in western Alaska, faced catastrophic flooding that uprooted homes, disrupted gravesites, and displaced hundreds of residents. The storm’s forceful waves dragged structures into the river, claiming one life and leaving two missing. As the waters receded, the villages were left in ruins, prompting a heated debate over whether they should rebuild in the same perilous location or relocate to safer ground.

Climate-Driven Vulnerability and Infrastructure Collapse

For years, Kipnuk and Kwigillingok have endured the effects of a warming climate, with their foundations built on land prone to flooding. Permafrost thawing has weakened the ground, making the communities increasingly susceptible to erosion and water intrusion. During the typhoon, this vulnerability reached a breaking point, as floodwaters overwhelmed homes, schools, and essential facilities. The resulting contamination of sewage and fuel oil added to the challenges, with lingering odors and debris complicating recovery efforts.

These Alaska villages were swept by the typhoon, but the disaster is part of a larger trend. Over the past three years, the western coast of Alaska has experienced three federally declared emergencies, each highlighting the region’s struggle with rising seas and extreme weather. Despite these repeated crises, funding for climate adaptation has faced setbacks, particularly under the Trump administration, which paused resilience programs aimed at elevating infrastructure and purchasing flood-damaged properties. The delay has left communities like Kipnuk and Kwigillingok without the resources needed to secure a sustainable future.

FEMA’s Stance on Rebuilding Amid Climate Threats

Following the typhoon, both villages voted to relocate to higher ground, seeking long-term protection from future floods. However, FEMA has positioned itself as an obstacle, advocating for reconstruction in the original flood zones. Tribal leaders argue that this approach risks repeating the same cycle of destruction, forcing residents to endure recurring disasters. The conflict underscores a critical debate: should recovery efforts prioritize immediate relief, or should they invest in resilience to prevent future harm?

“These Alaska villages were swept by the typhoon, but we don’t want to rebuild where we know the water will come again,” said Rayna Paul, the tribal administrator of Kipnuk. “Our people are tired of fighting to keep their homes safe in a place that’s already too risky.” This sentiment echoes a broader frustration with federal agencies that focus on maintaining existing structures rather than adapting to climate realities. The question remains: will FEMA support relocation efforts, or will it insist on rebuilding in the same vulnerable spots?

Policy Shifts and Funding Disruptions

Under the Biden administration, policies were introduced to bolster climate resilience, allocating billions to protect communities from rising waters and extreme weather. These measures included elevating homes, purchasing flood-damaged properties, and reinforcing critical infrastructure. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell once highlighted the cost-effectiveness of such investments, claiming they could save the government up to $6 for every dollar spent. However, the Trump administration reversed these efforts, freezing programs that would have enabled Kipnuk and Kwigillingok to move beyond the flood zone.

These Alaska villages were swept by the typhoon, but the damage extends beyond physical destruction. The policy shifts have disrupted funding streams that were vital for long-term adaptation, leaving Indigenous communities stranded in a rapidly changing environment. With permafrost melting and sea levels rising, the need for relocation is more urgent than ever. Yet, without federal support, the villages may be forced to accept a future of repeated devastation, as their original locations become increasingly untenable.

Subsistence Challenges and the Fight for Survival

Relocation is not just a structural decision for Kipnuk and Kwigillingok—it’s a cultural and economic one. These Alaska villages were swept by the typhoon, but their proximity to the Bering Sea is essential for subsistence living. Hunting and fishing are central to the community’s way of life, and moving inland could disrupt access to food sources, threatening the livelihoods of residents. Federal officials have cited this reliance on the ocean as a reason to encourage rebuilding in the current locations, but tribal leaders see it as a justification to delay necessary changes.

“We need to stay near the water, but we also need to stay safe,” said a tribal leader in a recent correspondence. This duality captures the essence of the struggle: balancing immediate needs with long-term survival. As the debate continues, the fate of these Alaska villages will depend on whether policymakers prioritize resilience or cling to outdated strategies. The outcome could set a precedent for how the nation addresses climate-driven displacement in the years to come.