On April 14, 2026, Typhoon Sinlaku made landfall in the Marianas at Category 5 strength. The storm is still raging now.
The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands is part of the United States—but it is extremely remote. That distance makes disaster response and recovery far more difficult than what most people are familiar with on the mainland.
Our infrastructure was already fragile. After Typhoon Yutu in 2018, over 15,000 of 55,000 people were displaced.
This storm is just as strong—and moving slower—which means even more devastating impact.
Right now:
The island is blacked out
Communication is down
Families are sheltering in place as the storm continues
Some are in concrete structures. Many are not. Entire homes—and everything inside them—will be lost.
Basic survival in the coming days will be a challenge.
Unlike mainland disasters, help cannot simply drive in. Aid must be flown or shipped across the ocean, which takes time. Because of this, survivors themselves often lead the rebuilding process
What your donation will support
Based on what survivors of Typhoon Yutu shared, the most urgently needed items include:
- batteries, flashlights, fans
- water and non-perishable food
- bugspray
- hygiene products (toothpaste, deodorant, pads/tampons, OTC meds)
- power inverters & basic supplies
While sending care packages is meaningful, shipping takes weeks to months.
Instead, funds will be used to:
- purchase supplies locally if available
- coordinate purchases through trusted contacts on Guam & ship over
- support temp shelter, fuel, rebuilding
- provide direct assistance to families most impacted
✨ Why Now?
People will need help immediately. While I plan to build this into a more sustainable program or partner with a local non-profit, my goal is to get people help NOW. I have not found a clear place to donate for typhoon relief and wanted to provide one for those interested in helping.
UPDATE 04/18/2026
The typhoon lasted days. People were locked down in their homes for upwards of 72 hours. Many are still stranded at home. There will be no power likely for months. No water. Gas lines are hours long or can take an entire day. Very few people have generators.
Federal aid is not yet established, but people need help now. That's where this money is going.
4 non-profit organizations have been identified as beneficiaries of all funds in this GoFundMe. These organizations are:
1. Pacific Coastal Research & Planning Forestry for removal of trees blocking driveways and roads
2. Micronesia Climate Change Alliance for immediate relief – food/water, critical hygiene supplies – setting up feeding stations
3. Marianas Outrigger Club for food and water distribution – mobile / drive-by
4. Salvation Army (local branch) for mass meal prep
I will be fundraising until 4/30. Goal = $100k all towards immediate relief. I'm hoping federal aid will be more well-established by then. All funds go to the above non-profit organizations so they can help as many people as possible, prioritizing the most vulnerable.
THANK YOU for your support.
About Me
I'm a resident of Saipan, and my husband was born & raised there. He is currently on-island with our two toddlers riding out the storm. I am stateside for veterinary school and will return home on May 9th.
I am deeply connected to this community, although most of my work has been to help animals through founding Saipan Humane Society. However - you cannot have animal welfare without having humane welfare, and our humans are struggling. I will be distributing funds directly to families in need as soon as communication and access allow.
MARIANAS STRONG