SC Alaska News

U.S. Senators Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan, along with Congressman Nick Begich, have called on President Donald Trump to approve a federal disaster declaration for Western Alaska following severe storm damage caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong. The request follows Governor Mike Dunleavy’s state disaster declarations on October 9 and 12, which mobilized additional resources across the region.

In their letter to President Trump, the delegation emphasized that local and state responders acted quickly but that "the scale of this disaster surpasses the State’s ability and capacity to respond without federal support." They highlighted urgent needs in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, including repairs to housing, restoration of utilities, and securing heating fuel before winter conditions worsen.

The storm brought winds over 100 miles per hour and record-high water levels between October 9 and 13. Damage was reported across thousands of miles from the Aleutian Islands to the North Slope, affecting homes, businesses, fuel storage facilities, runways, and other infrastructure. The lawmakers noted that some communities were still recovering from Typhoon Merbok in 2022 when this new disaster struck.

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) teams are currently assisting with damage assessments and providing technical support alongside state agencies and tribal governments. The delegation expressed appreciation for ongoing coordination between FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, and Alaska officials.

They also requested that the administration authorize a full federal cost share for emergency work during recovery efforts: "In light of the extraordinary circumstances, and consistent with the action taken following Typhoon Merbok, we also request that the Administration authorize a 100 percent federal cost share for emergency work during this recovery."

The letter concluded with an appeal for swift federal action to stabilize affected communities before winter arrives: "Quick federal action will help ensure that families remain safe, critical services are restored, and communities are stabilized before winter arrives."