Natural Disaster Risk in Kasigluk

Natural Hazard Profile: Kasigluk, Alaska

Kasigluk is a small community of about 698 in Bethel County, in Alaska, the northernmost U.S. state. The area experiences subarctic conditions with extreme cold winters and brief summers, with severe winter storms shaping the pattern of natural hazards that residents encounter. Understanding the local risk profile is essential for anyone living in, moving to, or owning property in Kasigluk.

FEMA rates Kasigluk's composite natural disaster risk at 5.1 out of 10 — moderate risk. The threat of tsunami inundation tops the local coastal risk profile, requiring residents in low-lying areas to maintain awareness of evacuation routes and warning systems. Residents should also account for cold wave and avalanche risk in their preparedness planning.

Kasigluk's risk score, slightly above the 4.6/10 state average and above the U.S. national average of 4.5/10. Of the 18 hazard categories tracked by FEMA for Bethel County, the highest-scoring are tsunami, cold wave, and avalanche. These scores reflect county-level data and represent the baseline risk that all communities in the county share.

With a moderate risk rating, Kasigluk residents are well-served by maintaining standard preparedness practices — an emergency supply kit, awareness of local hazard seasonality, and insurance that covers the top local risks. Periodic review of coverage for tsunami is recommended.