Climate change forcing some Alaskan villages to relocate

QUINHAGAK, Alaska (AP) — Accelerating erosion is forcing villages in western Alaska to begin making plans to move, officials said.

Erosion caused by climate change threatens village infrastructure and could force the relocation of communities such as Quinhagak, Alaska’s Energy Desk reported Monday.

A 2012 state report listed Quinhagak’s sewer lagoon and multipurpose building as top priorities for replacement or repair because of erosion and thawing permafrost.

Erosion now threatens Quinhagak’s airstrip, water treatment plant and water and sewer system, officials said.

Quinhagak’s sewer lagoon...