YK Delta’s west coast is hit by storm, flooding

2634-cover — Kipnuk resident Timothy Samson wades out into the flooded area by his house to check on a shed. Beyond is the Kugkaktlik River with overflowed banks and water as far as the eye could see. Photo taken on Sunday, August 18th, 2024. Photo by Fannie Samson

by Greg Lincoln

Communities in the Yukon Kuskokwim delta region were hit by severe flooding and erosion on Sunday, August 18^th, 2024. Floodwaters, wind and rain inundated beloved coastal communities such as Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, Kongiganak, Eek, Quinhagak, Tuntutuliak, Napakiak, Bethel and others. Photos show homes and boardwalks and sheds and outbuildings surrounded by water with floating debris from the strong winds, high surf, and wave run-up along the shorelines in the flood impacted villages.

The National Weather Service (NWS) in Anchorage AK issued a Coastal Hazard flood advisory message at 3:56AM on Saturday, August 17^th, 2024 for the Kuskokwim Delta region, effective until 6pm on Sunday.

The warning targeted locations along the Kuskokwim Delta coast, especially the communities of Kongiganak, Kwigillingok, and Kipnuk alerting to coastal flooding.

“Water levels will rise as high as 3 to 6 feet above normal highest tide. While water levels will drop during low tide, expect higher than usual water levels to return during high tide,” said the NWS. Residents were informed to secure loose belongings and move items further inland away from water as a precaution.

“The surge of water came in so fast,” said a Kipnuk resident.

Curtis Dock Jr. of Kipnuk looks out at their flooded and windy village on Sunday, August 18th while the wooden boardwalks float away. The floodwaters surged up fast. photo by Julia P. Dock

“Just had to make sure belongings were secured,” said another. “We have floating boardwalks. Some people’s belongings were wrecked though – like lagyaq and storage sheds. Some homes need attention.”

The Kuskowkim delta region endured several rounds of strong winds through Sunday morning through Sunday afternoon. The NWS warned of possible coastal erosion and that strong, sustained winds could slow the retreat of water during low tide.

Erosion was rough at the community of Akiak, they lost 10-20 feet. The NWS also issued a flood warning for the village of Tuntutuliak, Kasigluk, Nunapitchuk, and Atmautluak through Monday, August 19^th.

By Sunday night, the waters receded. Bethel closed off East Avenue to traffic due to erosion and waves coming up onto the road.

“All was well,” they said in Kipnuk on Sunday evening, everyone was fine.

Another storm might be brewing with more rain coming on August 20^th, Tuesday, said the NWS.