Newtok's school faces demolition due to severe riverbank erosion, as the community grapples with climate-induced relocation challenges.
Melting permafrost and severe erosion have plagued the community for decades. The most recent storm brought waves so fierce, the water claimed roughly half of the 80 or so remaining feet of land that stands between the back end of the school and the edge of the Ningliq river.
A site visit to Newtok on September 30, shows severe erosion from impacts of storm (typhoon Merbok). The images show both severe permafrost melt and river erosion.
Thawing permafrost and erosion is resulting in the loss of infrastructure in Newtok. These images show impacts on utility poles, and the shoreline.
A storm system during the last week of November brought high winds and seas to Newtok and other western Alaska communities.
Moving Newtok residents to the new village of Mertarvik has been planned for decades. This month, several families moved into new homes.
Observations From Members 