Alaska Recovery Efforts Shift to Long-Term Phase as Communities Rally Support, Transportation Advisories Issued, and New Literary Spotlight Lands on the Last Frontier
By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | November 2025
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – As winter closes in on storm-stricken Western Alaska, state agencies, nonprofits, and community partners are transitioning from emergency response to long-term recovery while continuing to push out vital resources, safety updates, and opportunities for Alaskans to engage and give back.
Storm Response Winds Down, Recovery Ramps Up
The Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management announced this week that the State Emergency Operations Center is shifting from an active response to a sustained recovery operation following the devastating October West Coast Storm.
Multiple emergency teams including, the Alaska Division of Forestry & Fire Prevention, Team Rubicon, the American Red Cross, and the Alaska Organized Militia, have now demobilized from the Bethel operations hub. An Alaska Army National Guard aircraft and aircrew will remain on standby in the region as needed.
Disaster Assistance Centers in Bethel and elsewhere have closed, but the work has not stopped. AVCP, the AVCP Regional Housing Authority, and the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities will continue repair operations as winter weather allows. Nearly 1,800 state and 1,287 FEMA Individual Assistance applications have been submitted so far, and mobile IA registration teams continue outreach to residents in remote communities.
More than 640 individuals from 172 households remain in non-congregate shelters in Anchorage, where more than 22,000 meals have already been provided. Work is underway to develop longer-term temporary housing solutions.
The Red Cross continues to accept registrations for financial assistance through December 19, with 597 households already enrolled. SBA disaster loan applications and State and FEMA IA deadlines remain active into December and early January.
Meanwhile, the donations warehouse provided by Chugach Electric Association has officially closed. Residents wishing to support survivors are urged to donate financially to established relief organizations such as the Alaska Community Foundation, Salvation Army, AK VOAD, Team Rubicon, and the American Red Cross of Alaska.
Red Cross Volunteers Log More Than 55,000 Hours of Help
In a testament to the scope of the disaster, and the response, American Red Cross of Alaska officials shared that volunteers have now dedicated 55,040 hours to supporting storm-impacted communities.
Their efforts have ranged from setting up emergency cots for evacuees, to flying into remote villages with supplies, to helping displaced families transition into longer-term housing.
Fairbanks Drivers Urged to Use Caution at Flashing Intersection
The Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities issued a traffic advisory for Fairbanks after the Airport Way & Lathrop Street traffic cabinet was damaged in a collision.
Until a replacement arrives late next week, the intersection will remain in flash mode. DOT urges drivers to treat the intersection like a stop sign, proceed with caution, and remain especially vigilant during peak traffic hours.
PBS Books Highlights Alaska’s Literary Legacy
A new PBS Books and Library of Congress collaboration, American Stories: A Reading Road Trip, will shine a national spotlight on Alaska’s deep storytelling traditions on December 3 at 4 p.m. AKST.
The program explores everything from Indigenous oral histories to the works of renowned Alaska writers including Velma Wallis (Two Old Women), Dana Stabenow, Seth Kantner, John Haines, and Michaela Goade. The special also highlights libraries, bookstores, and cultural landmarks that anchor Alaska’s literary mapfrom the Alaska Native Heritage Center to Mosquito Books at ANC.
Beans Café Calls on Alaskans for Giving Tuesday Support
As Giving Tuesday approaches, Bean’s Café is appealing to Alaskans to continue supporting families and individuals facing hunger and homelessness this winter.
“Behind every dollar is a real person,” the organization wrote, emphasizing that donations help nourish children, provide dignity to elders, and support adults striving to regain stability. Contributions can be made through the group’s online Giving Tuesday portal.
