National Guard Assists Cleanup Efforts in Alaska Following Historic Typhoon Merbok

Alaska National Guard members aided in recovery efforts in Newtok, Alaska, on Thursday, September 22, as a part of Operation Merbok Response, “after the remnants of Typhoon Merbok caused dramatic flooding” in the area, according to DVIDS.

The National Weather Service said that the remnants of Typhoon Merbok impacted the west coast of Alaska on Saturday, September 17, calling it a “historic storm.”

Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy issued a disaster declaration on Saturday.

The joint task force included members of the Alaska National Guard, Alaska State Defense Force and Alaska Naval Militia, according to the DVIDS.

Video shared by DVIDS on Thursday shows the task force at work in Newtok. Credit: DVIDS via Storyful

Video transcript

[ENGINES HUMMING]

- Wow.

- There you go. Not too hot.

- It's good to know that you showed us how.

- I was missing my workout, anyways.

[LAUGHTER]

[AIRCRAFT RUNNING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[BUZZING]

- Way to display that excellence power.

[BUZZING]

- I know this house was a disaster.

- Oh, yeah.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

- Nice.

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

[WIND RUSHING]

[DRILLING]

[INDISTINCT CHATTER]

- I mean, they said they shift from the permafrost.

- OK.

- He said it's been like that.