A view of flooded homes in Kipnuk, Alaska, from a Coast Guard helicopter on Oct. 12. U.S. Coast Guard photo.
SELBYVILLE, Del. — The Native American International (Inter-tribal) Caucus of The United Methodist Church is calling for prayer after powerful storms and flooding struck western Alaska, including the Yup’ik village of Kwigillingok along the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Homes were lifted and carried by the water, displacing families.
"Our hearts are heavy as we learn that powerful storms and flooding have struck western Alaska, including the Yup’ik village of Kwigillingok along the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Homes were lifted and carried by the water, displacing families," writes NAIC Chairperson Ragghi Rain in a Oct. 15 letter. The caucus is in the process of altering part of its name from "International" to "Inter-tribal" Caucus.
"At this time, one life has been confirmed lost, and two relatives remain missing, as families continue to pray for their return," the letter reports. "Dozens have been rescued from rooftops and storm waters; many are without heat, power, or food storage. These are Indigenous families — people of the sea, tundra, and river — whose lives are rooted in generations of strength and subsistence. We join them now with our voices, our prayers, and our hearts."
The letter offers a Prayer for the People and Families, an brief update on devastated homes and displaced families and suggestions of ways to help.
In addition, the Greater Northwest Area issued an update on the Alaska situation in its Oct. 23 newsletter:
Alaska Disaster Response update
The Alaska Conference continues to support sheltering efforts, with Alaska VOAD partners, for those displaced by Typhoon Halong. While other groups are now staffing shower trailers, United Methodists are coordinating with Baptist Disaster Response to connect volunteers.
Generous donations—combined with support from UMCOR—are funding both immediate response and long-term recovery in the areas impacted by recent storms. Plans are also underway to determine if Early Response Teams will be needed for debris removal and emergency repairs.
Please continue to pray for Western Alaska communities as they recover and work to build greater resilience for the future.
- Support the Alaska Conferences's Disaster Response efforts.
- Support the disaster response work of UMCOR - U.S. | International
Read Typhoon leaves flooded Alaska villages facing a storm recovery far tougher than most Americans will ever experience (The Conversation)