My name is Devika Balachandra, and I was born on Saipan in the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. I am creating this GoFundMe with my mom, April Ricotta.

On April 14th, 2026, Typhoon Sinlaku, a category 5 super typhoon, hit the island, causing unimaginable damage. For three days, the storm's brutal winds destroyed houses, buildings, and the land throughout the island. As of right now, power and water are lost, and the island's communication is down in an almost complete blackout. CNMI is extremely remote, and many on the mainland are unaware of its existence not to mention the devastating damage it has undergone.

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.

I had initially planned to go to Saipan for the month of May for a high school internship; that visit has turned into disaster relief. Your donations would allow us to purchase needed materials to help the survivors, and then bring to the island ourself or send on a ship that's scheduled to leave Long Beach on May 9th. We are also collecting material donations at our home 3015 Poinsettia Drive in San Diego.

Any amount would make a difference. I will be posting updates as we prepare to depart and once we arrive.

Thank you on behalf of the people of Saipan.