Alaska ramps up relief efforts for West Coast storm victims, displaced residents

Alaska officials continue large-scale relief efforts following last week’s powerful storm that struck the state’s West Coast, causing widespread flooding, infrastructure damage, and displacement.

The State Emergency Operations Center, the Alaska Organized Militia, and multiple state and volunteer agencies are coordinating response and recovery operations.

According to SEOC incident commander Mark Roberts, priorities have shifted from immediate life-saving efforts to sheltering and life-sustaining support. Several homes remain uninhabitable, and infrastructure in multiple communities has been compromised.

Sheltering operations have expanded beyond Bethel, where capacity is reaching its limit. Hundreds of residents are being relocated to safe shelters outside the region with assistance fr