Floods

Officials said the flooding destroyed Kotzebue’s dock, several roads and bridges and dozens of structures at multiple subsistence camps. The force of the storm also transported four large dumpsters to a sandbar in Kotzebue’s lagoon. City officials said two homes were also destroyed, displacing a family of six and a disabled elder.

Weeks of rain have caused the Kobuk River and nearby lake to overflow, flooding the community of around 200 people about 150 miles east of Kotzebue.

The Northwest Arctic village of Buckland is experiencing major flooding. Yesterday the National Weather Service reported that 80% of the community was flooded, and residents were using boats to get around.