An Alaska storm scattered artifacts. Archaeologists are racing to save what's left

Key Points:

• Last October, remnants of Typhoon Halong caused severe flooding and erosion in western Alaska, damaging the archaeological site Nunalleq near Quinhagak and displacing over a thousand residents in remote villages.
• Nunalleq, a key site preserving Alaska Native Yup'ik culture from 400 to 600 years ago, has yielded thousands of organic artifacts well-preserved by permafrost, now threatened by erosion accelerated by climate change and storm damage.
• Archaeologists, led by Rick Knecht and supported by volunteers and limited funding, conducted an emergency dig this summer to recover artifacts before further damage from rising sea levels and storms occurs.
• The site is increasingly vulnerable, with seawater reaching excavation pits during high tides, making preservation efforts urgent as valuable cultural objects have already been lost to flooding.
• The Nunalleq Culture and Archaeology Center provides access to these artifacts for the local community, reinforcing cultural identity and resilience while highlighting the pressing need to protect this heritage amid environmental challenges.