Massive storm triggers one of Alaska’s largest airlifts as villages wiped out along west coast

One of the largest airlifts in Alaska’s history is underway after a devastating storm tore through the state’s western coast.

(NBC) – One of the largest airlifts in Alaska’s history is underway after a devastating storm tore through the state’s western coast, leaving widespread destruction and entire communities under water.

Hundreds of residents were flown to safety Thursday night, packed into military planes and helicopters for the 500-mile trip to Anchorage. The National Guard says more than 2,000 people have been displaced so far, many from low-lying villages completely cut off by floodwaters.

Charles Post, a resident of the village of Nightmute, described the aftermath: “A lot of mess right here that washed all the way up.”

Officials say remnants of a typhoon triggered the disaster, which killed a 67-year-old woman and left two of her family members missing.

“She was the kindest person,” said Natalie Angapak, the woman’s niece.

In the village of Kipnuk, floodwaters rose more than six feet above normal high tide, nearly wiping out the community. Video from the scene shows homes swept away and roads destroyed.

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy said the damage is unlike anything the region has seen.
“A lot of houses were taken off their foundations,” Dunleavy said. “A lot of houses are floating down the river with people in them. The scene that was described to me was almost something out of a war zone.”

With homes destroyed and roads impassable, evacuees are now crowding makeshift shelters across the region. Many arrived in Anchorage with little more than the clothes on their backs.

“We’re anticipating upwards of 1,400 people,” Dunleavy added. “This is traumatic. Folks are coming in here with just clothes on their back, in some cases.”

The Red Cross says evacuations will likely continue for several more days, as most affected communities can only be reached by air or water. Officials are calling it a prolonged relief operation — one that could last for months as Alaska recovers from the worst coastal flooding in decades.