Super Typhoon Sinlaku — the strongest tropical cyclone of 2026 — has swept a path of destruction across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Flash flooding struck Guam and storm surge battered Chuuk State before the typhoon's eye passed directly over Saipan and Tinian on April 14. The storm's slow movement has compounded the devastation, and humanitarian needs for immediate relief and long-term recovery are rapidly expanding.
As the storm bore down, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division was ready. Divisional officers and staff coordinated with the American Red Cross Incident Management Team, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and FEMA ahead of landfall to ensure communication continuity and readiness. Onsite officers in Guam and across Micronesia — along with external disaster relief teams — are now leading Th
Super Typhoon Sinlaku — the strongest tropical cyclone of 2026 — has swept a path of destruction across the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Guam, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI). Flash flooding struck Guam and storm surge battered Chuuk State before the typhoon's eye passed directly over Saipan and Tinian on April 14. The storm's slow movement has compounded the devastation, and humanitarian needs for immediate relief and long-term recovery are rapidly expanding.
As the storm bore down, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division was ready. Divisional officers and staff coordinated with the American Red Cross Incident Management Team, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and FEMA ahead of landfall to ensure communication continuity and readiness. Onsite officers in Guam and across Micronesia — along with external disaster relief teams — are now leading The Salvation Army's response on the ground.
Among the most urgent needs for impacted island communities: access to fresh water, food staples, hygiene products, and fuel. The Salvation Army is prepared to deploy direct relief resources and vital support for local shelters as conditions across the region continue to evolve.
“These are our neighbors, our communities, our home. We will be here, working hand in hand with local partners and community leaders through the crisis and the road to recovery and healing.” Major Troy Trimmer, Divisional Commander, The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division
On Guam
Flash flooding swept through Guam as Typhoon Sinlaku approached, even before the storm's most dangerous conditions arrived. Despite hazardous conditions and power outages affecting The Salvation Army's own facilities, the Guam Corps is coordinating relief operations and standing by to deploy direct resources to shelters and community members in need.
“We’ve prepared to deploy direct relief resources and vital support for local shelters so that no one facing hunger and hardship from Typhoon Sinlaku is forgotten.” Major Eric Tumale, Guam Corps Officer and Micronesia Coordinator, The Salvation Army
In the Northern Mariana Islands
The eye of Typhoon Sinlaku passed directly over Saipan and Tinian on April 14, bringing the full force of the strongest tropical cyclone of the year. Both islands experienced island-wide power outages, compounding the damage from the storm’s powerful winds. The impact has been severe — even members of The Salvation Army Saipan Corps have not been spared, with some losing their own homes.
In the Federated States of Micronesia
Our operations and staff in Chuuk State were affected by the storm, and there is significant damage across the lagoon’s islands and outer islands. The Salvation Army will coordinate closely with local officials to get support where it is needed most, reaching communities throughout the FSM where outside help is slow to arrive.
How You Can Help
The Salvation Army has served communities across the Pacific for generations. As the full scope of Typhoon Sinlaku’s impact becomes clear, our teams will remain nimble — meeting people where they are with compassion and action. The road to recovery will be long. Your support makes it possible.
This story was originally published on April 15, 2026, and will be updated as The Salvation Army’s response expands.