Photo: Federal Aviation Administration, Alaskan Region · Public domainStorms, floods and disasters in Kwethluk
Kwethluk isn’t graded for hazard risk: Kwethluk has 975 residents; we grade towns of 1,000 or more. Flood insurance has paid 2 claims here since 2006.
What Kwethluk faces
Each hazard’s share of the building damage FEMA expects here, and how its rate compares with the rest of the country.
River and rain flooding
Tsunamis
Wildfire
Winter storms
Shares are of FEMA’s expected building damage, the measure the grade uses; ranks compare each hazard’s building-damage rate with all 85,154 U.S. census tracts. In FEMA’s terms, river and rain flooding is FEMA’s “Inland Flooding” (rivers and streams overflowing their banks, or rain overwhelming drainage); winter storms is FEMA’s “Winter Weather” (snow, sleet and freezing rain). FEMA defines coastal flooding as high or rising tides and storm surge, so surge damage is counted there. Drought isn’t listed: FEMA counts its losses in crops only.
Does Kwethluk flood? Rarely: 2 flood claims since 2006
Every paid claim on a federal flood insurance policy in Kwethluk, from FEMA’s records.
Kwethluk isn’t in FEMA’s Community Rating System, which cuts flood insurance up to 45% in towns that do extra flood-proofing.
Insurance rates: Bethel Census Area.5 federal disasters brought FEMA money to Kwethluk
Disasters that paid out in Kwethluk itself (aid to households or repair grants to the City of Kwethluk), newest first, with that year’s flood claims.
- 2025Severe Storms, Flooding, and Remnants of Typhoon Halong24 households applied for aid$401K aid approved
- 2023Flooding53 households applied for aid$241K aid approved
- 2009Flooding and Ice Jams2 households applied for aid$199K to the City of Kwethluk for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2006Snow Melt and Ice Jam Flooding$19K to the City of Kwethluk for repairs1 flood claim paid that year
- 2002Flooding$31K to the City of Kwethluk for repairs
Its 2 counties have had 18 natural disasters declared by the President since 1953, most often floods, then severe storms.
Old photos of Kwethluk after a storm or flood belong in the town’s history. Add one, or share what you remember below.
Add to the Kwethluk archive →Get ready for what Kwethluk faces
A short kit for the hazards that drive the building damage here, what to check before you buy, and where neighbors get alerts.
- Turn around at flooded roads: a foot of moving water can carry off a car.
- Flood insurance usually takes 30 days to start, so buy it before the forecast.
- Keep papers and medicines up high, in a grab-and-go bag.
- Strong shaking or a sudden drop in the sea means head for high ground now.
- Learn the tsunami route signs near the shore.
- Stay away until officials say it’s safe.
- Clear dead leaves and brush within 5 feet of the house.
- Sign up for local alerts and know two ways out.
- Keep N95 masks for smoky days.
- Keep a shovel, a blanket and snacks in the car.
- Clear snow from furnace and dryer vents.
- Check on older neighbors when the power goes out.
- Look up the address on FEMA’s flood map.
- Ask the seller or landlord whether it has ever flooded, and what flood insurance costs there.
- Get a flood insurance quote early: policies usually start 30 days after you buy.
Know where neighbors sign up for alerts? Add it to the Handbook so everyone has it.
Questions about natural hazards in Kwethluk
Does Kwethluk flood?
Flood insurance has paid 2 claims in Kwethluk since 2006, $15K in all. 1 properties have flooded more than once.
Is Kwethluk in a flood zone?
Flood zones are drawn street by street, so the answer depends on the address: look it up on FEMA’s flood map. In Bethel Census Area, 2.4% of all homes carry federal flood insurance.
How much is flood insurance in Kwethluk?
FEMA’s Community Rating System list shows no discount for Kwethluk’s flood program. Premiums depend on the building; policies usually start 30 days after you buy, so get a quote early.
What was the biggest storm in Kwethluk?
By FEMA money that reached Kwethluk, Severe Storms, Flooding, and Remnants of Typhoon Halong (2025): 24 households applied for aid, $401K approved.
Storm stories
Memories, warnings and help from neighbors in Kwethluk.
Sources: FEMA National Risk Index v1.20 (December 2025), census-tract table, combined by where Kwethluk’s residents lived in the 2020 census; OpenFEMA: NFIP redacted claims, multiple-loss properties, community status book and residential penetration rates, housing assistance (owners and renters), public assistance funded projects, hazard mitigation properties and disaster declarations. Homes: Census ACS 2020–24. Preparedness tips: Ready.gov. FEMA’s model is an average of expected damage, not a forecast. How hazard risk is graded.