Storm batters Western Alaska, leaves disaster trail: Here are all latest updates

It was lucky that Alaska or Typhoon Merbok would have caused more mayhem had it not calmed down and moved North and away from the state. The storm has calmed down since last and is currently settled in the Chuckchi Sea. However, thinner populated areas on the northwestern coast of Alaska have received an extended coastal flood warning advisory till Monday.

The typhoon smashed everything in its wake in western Alaska and is considered one of the fiercest storms to have hit in decades. Many areas lie inundated, and officials still gather information on the damage caused.

The Governor of Alaska, Mike Dunleavy, called it a disaster on Saturday while speaking to reporters. He mentioned five populated areas, Hooper Bay, Scammon Bay, Golovin, Newtok, and Nome, had been majorly battered by the storm and many places are still under high water levels. Some of the damages that have come up post the storm are high soil erosion, electrical supply problems, and power failures.


Typhoon Merbok has caused severe damage to 1,000 miles of Alaska's coastal belt, cracking up roads, bridges, and buildings. Homes were floating down the river, and one of them was stopped from flowing away by a bridge.

The Governor expects the severe freezing temperatures to come up in three weeks with inputs from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. According to the Governor, the officials are all trying to work as fast as possible to help the various settlements recover quickly from the impact of the storm.

The Governor assured people that his office and the emergency management teams would move quickly across settlements. The people who need help the most would be getting it, and so would the areas that have been damaged.

More than 450 people got into government-provided shelters, while others stayed in high-ground zones and waited for the storm to subside. Luckily no lives have been reported lost or missing, and neither has there been injuries. A child from Hooper Bay who was lost has been found safe.

Particular emphasis would be paid to sewage systems, airports, and sea ports. Golovin Airport has been under a power outage, and at least three settlements have been given a "water boil advisory" where they have been told to boil water from the taps for drinking as the water supply had been affected.

Emergency support systems and officials are expected to visit settlements that need food, water, or shelter, as informed by Bryan Fisher, Director-Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.

FAQs
Q. What is the capital of Alaska?
Answer: Juneau

Q. When did Russia sell Alaska to the USA?
Answer: The USA bought Alaska in 1867 for US$7.2 million.