Presbyterian Disaster Relief Efforts in Alaska After Devastating Storm

Alaska’s West Coast Faces Aftermath of Destructive Storm

Efforts are underway to aid Alaskan communities severely impacted by a powerful storm that left the state’s west coast in turmoil, displacing thousands. The Presbyterian Church (USA), through its regional body, the Presbytery of Yukon, is at the forefront of these relief efforts.

The storm, which originated as Typhoon Halong, wreaked havoc on the remote Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta region. The Presbytery of Yukon, collaborating with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and other organizations like the Red Cross, has been active in providing aid to affected areas.

Particularly hard hit were the villages of Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, where evacuations occurred on an unprecedented scale. An estimated 2,000 residents were displaced due to rising waters and destruction that spanned several communities, resulting in one confirmed fatality.

Rev. Elizabeth Schultz, executive presbyter for the Yukon Presbytery, detailed their collaborative efforts with local nonprofits to address the disaster’s aftermath. “We are working with local trusted nonprofits that are organizing the response effort,” she explained.

Presbyterian involvement, despite limited church presence in some villages, includes the collection of essential items like baby supplies through at least one member congregation. Schultz emphasized the long-term recovery role faith communities could play, especially after national organizations depart.

“It is still a bit chaotic up here, with many moving pieces as families are moved from congregate shelter spaces into homes, apartments and hotels,” Schultz noted.

In addition to these efforts, the PC(USA) has launched a donation webpage focused on supporting affected Alaskan regions.

Rev. Kathy Lee-Cornell, a PDA associate for National Disaster Response, highlighted the vital role of local clergy in reaching the impacted areas. “PDA relies on our faith leaders to connect us with the areas and people where our resources may positively serve impacted individuals and communities, like the Alaskan Natives across Yukon-Kuskokwim,” she stated. “Through their responsiveness, Presbytery of Yukon allows Presbyterians to bear witness to our compassionate kinship with one another during difficult circumstances.”

The devastation included winds of up to 100 mph and water levels surging beyond six feet in some towns, according to ABC News. The Alaska National Guard and U.S. Coast Guard played critical roles in evacuating and rescuing affected residents.

At a news conference, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. Christopher Culpepper described the scene: “Several of these villages have been completely devastated, absolutely flooded, several feet deep. This took homes off of foundations. This took people into peril, where folks were swimming, floating, trying to find debris to hold onto in the cover of darkness.”