BETHEL, May 16, 2012 —Lower Kuskokwim flood warnings yesterday resulted in partial evacuation of Napaskiak and Kwethluk communities to neighboring Bethel. American Red Cross of Alaska sent three volunteers and one staff member to Bethel yesterday to open a shelter at Kilbuk Elementary School where 16 evacuees stayed overnight. The school is providing meals for all who were evacuated, not just those staying overnight in the shelter.
“We are prepared to stay as long as needed,” said Disaster Services Manager Melissa Logan. “As soon as we know what kind of damage the villages have sustained, we will know how long the shelter will be open for.”
Red Cross is working closely with the State Emergency Operating Center and the National Weather Service, who has sent a plane to asses water levels and structural damage aerially; this will dictate the necessity to keep the shelter open another night. Currently, water is holding high, but no damage can be seen at this point. “If residents are unable to return to their homes tonight, we are expecting an influx of more than 50 overnight shelter residents,” Said Logan.
Posted by amrecro 
