The Newtok Village Council aims to complete the relocation of the community from Newtok, Alaska, by this month’s end as severe erosion and the degradation of the permafrost put the village at imminent risk. Residents have endured deteriorating infrastructure, with leaning power poles and sinking buildings that threaten their safety.
High tides have compounded existing waste management issues, leaving residents struggling to manage garbage year-round. Declaring a public safety emergency in August, the council voted unanimously to decommission Newtok and focused efforts on transitioning to Mertarvik, a new site nine miles away.
After years of planning, the arrival of 18 tiny homes this fall represents a crucial step in accommodating the remaining 88 residents of Newtok. However, the transition has faced delays, driven by insufficient permanent housing and escalating public health risks.
As winter looms, the urgency for relocation grows, compelling residents to adapt to their new lives while navigating feelings of loss and loneliness tied to their previous home. Elder Albertina Charles reflects on leaving her village, emphasizing the emotional toll the transition has taken as she comes to terms with the destruction caused by erosion.
This long-awaited relocation project, while necessary for the safety of residents, underscores the profound challenges faced by communities adapting to climate change impacts.
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Photo credit alaskapublic.org
