Kipnuk Tribe Votes to Relocate After Typhoon Halong

0:00It's March 23rd. Welcome to Anchorage News Today, powered by AI. Members of the Kipnuk tribe in Alaska have voted overwhelmingly to relocate their village after major damage from the remnants of Typhoon Halong. On March 20th, the tribe released results showing more than 92% of contacted adult members supported the move. The storm struck in October 2025, leading to a near-total evacuation. Nearly all of the roughly 700 residents who lived there at the time are still displaced in spots like Anchorage, Bethel, and other nearby. Areas tribal leaders offered two relocation options, both about 13 miles northwest of Kipnuk and halfway to the village of Sheffernack close to A, historic site called Seacing. Around two-thirds favored the spot farther inland, owned by Sheffernock's village corporation, while the rest picked the coastal site about one mile from. The Bering Sea, held by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Out of 799 eligible adult members, the tribe reached 662 by phone for votes.

1:05The total membership is nearly double the pre-storm population. Leaders expect the lengthy process ahead as they work through land deals and planning, but the strong support sets a clear path forward for the community's future.