SC Alaska News

U.S. Senator Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) addressed the Senate on October 16, 2025, to discuss the recent storms that have severely impacted Western Alaska. More than 1,000 residents have been displaced as a result of the storms, which caused significant damage to several coastal communities.

During her remarks, Murkowski emphasized the need for cooperation in Congress to address both national issues and disasters affecting local communities. She noted that many people are more concerned about solutions than political divisions. "They don’t care if the Democrats are winning or the Republicans are winning. They feel like, as Americans, they’re the ones caught in this backwash," she said.

Murkowski described how a series of storms hit Alaska’s west coast over the weekend, spanning from Kotzebue to Bristol Bay and focusing much of their force on small Native villages along the coast and up the Kuskokwim River. The senator highlighted that entire communities such as Kipnuk and Kwigillingok were evacuated by air to Anchorage or Bethel due to unprecedented flooding and wind damage.

She recounted stories from affected residents: "We heard stories of people trapped in their homes at night when the home was literally lifted off its foundation and carried away in the current with families inside." Rescue operations involved multiple agencies including the U.S. Coast Guard and Alaska National Guard. "The Coast Guard rescued and saved 34 people. The Alaska Air Guard saved eight. The Alaska Air National Guard saved nine," Murkowski stated.

Despite these efforts, there has been loss of life—one confirmed death, two believed deceased, and one person unaccounted for. Approximately 120 homes in Kipnuk were destroyed beyond repair; another 40 may be salvageable. With winter approaching and construction halted due to logistical challenges, many evacuees face uncertainty about returning home.

Murkowski also referenced previous storms such as Typhoon Merbok and Typhoon Halong that have struck Western Alaska in recent years, noting an increase in storm frequency and severity attributed to warming ocean waters and reduced sea ice.

She acknowledged ongoing relief efforts by organizations including World Central Kitchen, Samaritan’s Purse, and the Red Cross, as well as local authorities preparing temporary shelters for evacuees in Anchorage.

The senator called attention to cultural considerations when supporting affected communities: "How do we build more resilient communities? And when disaster strikes, how can we support those affected in ways that are real and meaningful, especially in cultures where traditions differ from what we know in Washington, DC?"

Quoting U.S. Coast Guard Captain Christopher Culpepper during a press briefing about the disaster’s impact: “If you think about previous instances of major inundations, such as Hurricane Katrina, that will start to paint the picture for what you might imagine what has happened along Western Alaska.” General Saxe noted it may be “the largest off-road National Guard response in about 45 years.”

Murkowski expressed gratitude toward rescue workers who continued their duties despite uncertainty over pay during a government shutdown: "They did their job even when it was uncertain if they would be paid." She concluded by affirming support for Alaskans facing displacement: "To those back home in Alaska working closely to care for those truly afraid about their future, know that we are all working with you, and our hearts are with you."