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What caused the Alaska floods?

Asked 16 hours ago

Answer

The Alaska floods were caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong, which brought severe storms and drove an unprecedented amount of water into low-lying, coastal communities. The region's vulnerability was heightened by its lack of higher ground and proximity to the high tide line.

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CBS America

Catastrophic flooding leaves trail of destruction in western Alaska

CBS America ยท Less Recent
CBS America
CBS America
Less Recent
  • Severe storms and flooding have devastated western Alaska, forcing hundreds to evacuate. 2s
  • Entire communities, including Kipnuk, were left uninhabitable with homes washed out to sea. 24s
  • Rescue operations involved airlifting residents from rooftops due to the area's remoteness. 41s
  • Climate experts warn that low elevation and lack of higher ground increase vulnerability to flooding. 55s
  • Concerns have been raised about reduced weather data and cancelled flood prevention projects following federal budget cuts. 1m 27s
WeatherDisasterEnvironment

References

Catastrophic flooding leaves trail of destruction in western Alaska
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CBS America
3 days ago
Catastrophic flooding leaves trail of destruction in western Alaska

When the typhoon slammed the coastline, homes were ripped from their foundations and washed out to sea.

Catastrophic flooding leaves trail of destruction in western Alaska
Icon
CBS America
3 days ago
Catastrophic flooding leaves trail of destruction in western Alaska

This was the perfect setup to drive the most amount of water in living memory into these communities.

Catastrophic flooding leaves trail of destruction in western Alaska
Icon
CBS America
3 days ago
Catastrophic flooding leaves trail of destruction in western Alaska

Nearly the entire towns are less than 10 feet above the high tide line, and there's no higher ground anywhere nearby.

One dead, two missing after Typhoon Halong rocks western Alaska
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CBC News
4 days ago
One dead, two missing after Typhoon Halong rocks western Alaska

Forty-nine coastal communities were in an unexpected direct path from the remnants of Typhoon Halong.

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