Southcentral Foundation to host Typhoon Halong survivor gathering in Chugiak Saturday

Southcentral Foundation is inviting people affected by Typhoon Halong to a wellness gathering Saturday in Chugiak, a year after the storm's remnants forced an estimated 1,600 people from their homes in Western Alaska.

The announcement, distributed by the state Division of Behavioral Health, calls the afternoon a time for healing and community fellowship. The gathering at Birchwood Camp runs from 2 to 6 pm, with subsistence foods, traditional crafts, hiking, learning circles and a concert by Marc Brown. A maqii, a Yup'ik steam bath, is open from noon to 2 pm. Rides leave at 1 pm from the Yagheli Shesh Qenq'a Anchorage Native Primary Care Center.

Halong's remnants struck the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in October 2025. One person died and two were left missing. The storm destroyed 208 homes and severely damaged 471 more, and 49 communities reported damage, according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Alaska Center for Climate Assessment and Preparedness. Nearly all residents of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok evacuated, to Bethel, Anchorage, Fairbanks and other communities.

Anchorage took in 655 evacuees, Alaska News reported in August. About 140 displaced students enrolled in Anchorage schools that fall, and seven of them graduated in May.

Kipnuk has put back more than 12,000 feet of boardwalk, Alaska News reported in July, and people still recovering can get job training, winterization help and FEMA-paid flights.

The gathering comes a day after another storm is forecast to reach the Kuskokwim Delta coast, with gusts up to 75 mph and water most likely 2 to 3 feet above the normal high tide line at Kipnuk, Kwigillingok and Kongiganak, Alaska News reported Thursday.