Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a disaster after some areas in the southwestern part of the state experienced flooding due to the melting of river ice in the spring. The floodwaters have trapped some homes in low-lying areas of the regional center, Bethel, while much of Quinhagak is submerged, and high waters have prevented access to the airport in Napaskiak. Quinhagak, with a population of around 790, is located 19 kilometers east of Bethel and is the second-largest community along the lower Kuskokwim River. Napaskiak is situated 11 kilometers southeast of Bethel, on the east bank of the Kuskokwim River. Dave Struybel, a hydrologist at the Alaska Pacific River Forecast Center, stated that "water levels in Bethel this week reached their highest point in nearly 20 years."
Title: Disaster in Alaska: What is Happening?
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