In a startling display of nature’s fury, a house in Alaska was filmed drifting out to sea after the remnants of Typhoon Halong battered the state, highlighting the severe impact of the storm that has left one person dead, two missing, and thousands displaced. The US Coast Guard conducted dramatic rescues, saving two dozen people from homes that had broken free from their foundations and floated away.
The event unfolded in the remote community of Kipnuk, Alaska, over the weekend of October 11-12, 2025, when Typhoon Halong, after crossing the Pacific Ocean, brought hurricane-force winds to the region. The storm, which originated as a typhoon in the western Pacific, weakened but still packed enough power to cause significant damage along Alaska’s coastlines. Authorities reported that the winds and storm surge led to widespread flooding and structural failures, with numerous homes being swept into the sea, transforming quiet neighborhoods into scenes of chaos and destruction.
Rescue efforts were swiftly mobilized, with the US Coast Guard leading operations to save residents trapped in floating homes. So far, one fatality has been confirmed, and two individuals remain unaccounted for, underscoring the danger posed by the extreme weather. In total, around 1,300 people have been displaced from their homes, many seeking shelter in emergency centers set up by local authorities. The scale of the displacement reflects the broader community impact, with essential services disrupted and recovery expected to take time, as families grapple with the loss of their properties and livelihoods.
Brea Paul, a resident who captured the viral video on October 12, described the harrowing scene, noting that she witnessed approximately 20 other houses floating away overnight. In an emotional account, she mentioned that some occupants were blinking their phone lights as if signaling for help, but rescue was impossible at that moment due to the hazardous conditions. Her footage has drawn international attention to the plight of those affected and the escalating risks of severe weather events in vulnerable areas, putting a human face on the statistics.
Typhoon Halong’s path across the Pacific is a reminder of how tropical systems can influence weather patterns far from their origins. The storm initially formed in the western Pacific and traveled thousands of miles before impacting Alaska, a region not typically associated with typhoons but increasingly experiencing such events due to climate factors. Meteorologists have noted that while rare, similar storms have occurred in the past, but the intensity and frequency may be changing, raising concerns for future preparedness and adaptation strategies in coastal communities.
The response from emergency services has been extensive, with local, state, and federal agencies coordinating to provide aid. Beyond the immediate rescues, efforts are focused on assessing damage, restoring utilities, and supporting displaced families. The incident has prompted discussions about infrastructure resilience in coastal communities, particularly in Alaska where many homes are built on stilts or in flood-prone areas. Community leaders are calling for enhanced warning systems and building codes to mitigate future risks, emphasizing the need for proactive measures in the face of climate uncertainty.
Looking ahead, recovery operations are ongoing, with search teams continuing to look for the missing individuals. The event serves as a stark warning about the vulnerabilities faced by remote communities in the face of extreme weather, potentially linked to broader environmental changes. As cleanup and rebuilding begin, the focus will shift to long-term strategies to protect residents and adapt to an evolving climate, ensuring that such tragedies can be prevented or minimized in the future through improved planning and international cooperation.