Crews are working to fix Alaska Native villages devastated by flooding. But will residents return?

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Harry Friend walks among debris caused by the remnants of Typhoon Halong hitting the village and region earlier in the month, Monday, Oct. 27, 2025, in Kwigillingok, Alaska. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)

KWIGILLINGOK, Alaska – Darrel John watched the final evacuees depart his village on the western coast of Alaska in helicopters and small planes and walked home, avoiding the debris piled on the boardwalks over the swampy land.

He is one of seven residents who chose to remain in Kwigillingok after the remnants of Typhoon Halong devastated the village last month, uprooting homes and floating many of them miles away, some with residents inside. One person was killed and two remain missing.

“I just couldn’t leave my communit