[View the story "Alaska governor criticized for 'ignoring' state storm damage" on Storify ]Alaska governor criticized for 'ignoring' state storm damage Residents accuse governor of acknowledging typhoon in Philippines while ignoring local tragedy. Storified by AJAMStream · Thu, Nov 14 2013 16:00:42
alaskadispatch.com
Many residents say their concerns are falling on deaf ears and were especially angered after Governor Parnell
sent condolences to the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines and offered assistance yet had not acknowledged those in his own state who were in need.
The governor shared on his Facebook page:
Today, I sent a letter to President Benigno Aquino II of the #Philippines, a nation suffering from the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. I offered my condolences on behalf of Alaskans and pledged state assistance in a United States-coordinated aid effort. http://goo.gl/fAEIXW
Many replied to his post with frustration at his silence regarding the state's storms:
That's great. Glad we're looking out for other countries. What about our own state? Can we please take care of our own people? What are you doing to support the people of western Alaska who are without water, some without power, who have lost their food stores, and are about to get hit with another major flood?Emily Poole
Please also announce what you are doing for the flooding communities of western villages of alaska that are left with devastation and wreckage with more storms coming, if you are doing anything at all.Fortuna Rose
So far, the news from Kotlik does not indicate that the state of Alaska is providing any help. Get off your teabag and provide some real support.Ross Taylor
The governor addressed the criticism with a follow-up response, and some Alaskans came to his defense.
We appreciate and share the concern for our fellow Alaskans in Kotlik and Emmonak. We have had teams of folks in these communities, and others along the Western Coast, to determine their needs and start damage assessments. We have an entire division that works every day to provide emergency services throughout Alaska. When the need arises, we are there!Alaska Governor Sean Parnell
*sigh* Before anyone posts here, do any of you people bother to look and see what Alaska's relationships is to the Philippines? They buy our goods, which translates into jobs and prosperity for AK. Yes, I agree that the Govs office should be breaking off money to help AKs people directly, but helping abroad he is also helping AK. Okay?Karen Possible
Good job, Governor Parnell. Someday people will realize how bad things were in the Philippines compared to their own issues at home.Tom Denlinger
For many, the governor's response comes too late. Kotlik resident Rita Asgeirsson
told the Alaska Dispatch : "It feels like we are being ignored, like we are not important. It feels like we don't matter because we are not thousands of people and we aren't in an urban area."
The Anchorage Daily News
reports that Kotlik's fresh water supply could run out within five days and hundreds of people have been evacuated. Residents have posted photos showing the rising flood waters and damage.
facebook.com
alaskadispatch.com
Friends Deb and Heidi show pictures of flooding aftermath in Kotlik. Sheets of ice rip up the road ways. http://twitter.com/msparck/status/399684634662817793/photo/1Michelle Sparck
What do you think? Is Governor Parnell wrong for acknowledging the devastating typhoon in the Philippines before offering support to his constituents? Share you thoughts in the comments below.
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