Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (Oct. 17, 2025) — A Utah volunteer with the American Red Cross deployed to Anchorage, Alaska, yesterday to assist with relief efforts for communities devastated by Typhoon Halong. The storm’s severe flooding has displaced more than 2,000 people, prompting a nationwide response from hundreds of Red Cross disaster relief workers.
The remnants of Typhoon Halong battered Alaska’s western coast this week, bringing extreme winds and storm surges that inundated villages and destroyed homes. Two remote communities, Kipnuk and Kwigillingok, were among the hardest hit and are accessible only by air or sea. Residents were rescued by helicopter and transported to a shelter in Bethel, where Red Cross disaster relief volunteers provided immediate assistance.
Evacuees are now being airlifted 400 miles to Anchorage, where the American Red Cross is working closely with local, state and tribal officials to provide safe shelter, meals, emergency relief supplies, emotional support and health services.
Veteran Red Cross of Utah volunteer Steven Nielson, of Sandy, flew to Anchorage on Thursday to serve as part of the government and elected officials liaison team. In this role, Nielson will work closely with local leaders to identify each community’s unique needs, ensuring the Red Cross provides targeted support where it is needed most. Nielson, who has deployed more than 30 times since 2009, joins hundreds of Red Cross responders from across the country on 21-day deployments to provide critical aid to those affected by the disaster.
“When disaster strikes, the American Red Cross answers the call, no matter where help is needed,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Our volunteers are dedicated to providing comfort, shelter, and hope to those impacted by the devastating flooding in Alaska, helping them take the first steps toward rebuilding their lives and communities.”
Join the Effort to Support Disaster Relief
Support the American Red Cross Disaster Relief efforts today. Your contributions help prepare for, respond to and assist in recovery from disasters of all sizes. Visit redcross.org, call 1-800-RED CROSS or text the word REDCROSS to 90999 to donate to disaster relief.
Become a Red Cross Volunteer Today
The Red Cross is seeking additional volunteers in Utah to meet the growing demand for disaster response. After training, volunteers are prepared to assist during local emergencies and, with additional training and experience, deploy to major disasters nationwide. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, visit redcross.org/DAT.
About the American Red Cross
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members, and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
