Residents of a rural community that flood waters hit hard in early May say they finally got internet back in their village last night, and while recovery efforts are slow they are underway.
Around 70% of Crooked Creek was underwater after an ice jam caused the Kuskokwim River to flood. The Federal government made a disaster declaration last week that allowed public assistance to be used to repair critical needs. The federal government is still reviewing an individual assistance request that would go to residents to help repair homes.
“Everybody's trying to keep the upbeat,” said Crooked Creek Traditional Council President Evelyn Thomas. “We're all alive, you know, that's the big thing. Nobody died, and we're trying to stay positive.”
Adventist Community Services of Alaska and Alaska Volunteer Agencies Active in Disaster are collecting donations to help rebuild smoke houses and homes.
Donations can be dropped off at the Eagle River Valley Seventh-day Adventist Church, 16931 Eagle River Road on Tuesday, June 21 or Wednesday, June 22 between the hours of 4-7 p.m. They ask, please do not leave donations outside the church at times when no one is there to receive them.
The organizations hope to send the items to Crooked Creek no later than June 27.
For a list of the specific items needed, click on the link in the sidebar titled "Smoke house material list."
