Alaska News

Parnell declares disaster in Kivalina

Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell has declared a disaster in the Chukchi Sea village of Kivalina, where heavy rain last month damaged the community water system.

The rain contributed to high water in the Wulik (WOOL'-ick) River.

The community each year uses a three-mile PVC pipe to fill two large holding tanks. The pipe to the Wulik River was damaged by the high water.

Water historically is extracted in July and August after muddy, icy spring water has cleared and before freezing begins again.

The governor's office says the disaster declaration makes money available for emergency protective measures and immediate efforts to refill Kivalina's holding tanks.

Kivalina is 83 miles north of the Arctic Circle and 625 miles northwest of Anchorage.

Associated Press

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