(NEW YORK) — Severe flooding has devastated remote communities in western Alaska, leading to hundreds of evacuations that may continue for several days, officials reported. "This is still a very much fluid situation; we are still in the process of evacuating hundreds of people from the affected towns," said Michelle Torres, outreach branch chief for the state of Alaska.

The flooding was caused by remnants of Typhoon Halong, which formed in the northern Philippine Sea on October 5. The storm brought significant rainfall to western Alaska from Saturday night into Sunday, with some areas receiving over 6 feet of water. Wind gusts reached between 50 and 100 mph, impacting 49 communities along the coast.

Among the hardest-hit areas is Kipnuk, located about 500 miles from Anchorage. The Alaska National Guard has been actively involved in the evacuation efforts, rescuing 264 people on Thursday and 211 on Wednesday, according to Jeremy Zidek from the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. He noted that evacuations will likely continue for days as many residents remain in need of assistance.

At least one person has died due to the flooding, and two individuals are still reported missing. However, officials stated there is no current concern about additional missing persons. Images released by the Alaska National Guard show approximately 300 displaced individuals taking refuge in a C-17 aircraft.

"Through it all, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our neighbors, evacuating those displaced, flying supplies and lending a helping hand wherever it’s needed most," the Alaska National Guard said in a statement.

The Alaska Community Foundation reported that at least 2,000 people from rural areas have been displaced. The foundation has raised over $1 million in support, with contributions still coming in.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced that the U.S. Coast Guard has rescued 38 individuals from the flood and assisted in evacuating 28 people from a temporary shelter. "The Coast Guard continues to support the state of Alaska’s response efforts in impacted communities," Noem stated.

In response to the disaster, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed an application for a Presidential Disaster Declaration, requesting President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster for the state. Dunleavy had previously declared a state of emergency for all areas affected by the storms.

This flooding follows a significant event earlier in 2023 when a glacier lake outburst near the Mendenhall Glacier, about 12 miles north of Juneau, caused extensive damage. That incident resulted in severe erosion and destruction of homes along the river, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.