JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska   –   In the wake of a West Coast storm causing significant flooding, the Alaska National Guard has received an official resource request from the State Emergency Operations Center to support response and recovery efforts.
 
The SEOC requested the AKNG to assist the community of Kotzebue with damage assessment, distribution of relief supplies and emergency shelter support. 
 
Currently there is one local member of the Alaska Army National Guard on the ground assisting the SEOC division supervisor in Kotzebue. The Guard is preparing to deploy additional personnel in the coming days.
 
On October 22, 2024, Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster emergency in response to the storm.
 
Kotzebue has suffered the most significant damage, with numerous residences severely impacted. The storm also forced a multi-day closure of the Kotzebue airport due to flooding and ice accumulation on the runway.
 
Additional information about the Alaska National Guard response will be provided as the situation evolves and recovery efforts continue.