Ran annim fiti tirow from Chuuk,
My name is Lahaina, a native of Tunnuk village in Chuuk, Micronesia. I am writing on behalf of Apiniki, a tight-knit community in Tunnuk village, one of the more remote area on the North Eastern side of Weno Island and where I grew up. Our ancestors established roots here 8 generations ago and it had been our home and refuge since then. And now our home has been destroyed and we are left in an utter state of helplessness and hopelessness.
Help Apiniki Community Recover After Typhoon Sinlaku
Typhoon Sinlaku struck our community without warning—like a thief in the night—leaving devastation in its wake. What we were told would be a mild tropical storm turned into a destructive force that wiped out nearly everything we depend on to survive.
On April 9, 2026, strong winds and rough seas began. By the next day, conditions worsened dramatically. Powerful winds and massive waves destroyed coastal areas, uprooted trees, and tore apart homes. That night, we experienced the worst of it—roofs were ripped off, windows shattered, and even walls gave way to the storm.
By the end of it all, our community was left in crisis.
- All breadfruit trees uprooted
- Coconut, banana, mango, and other fruit trees destroyed
- Home gardens wiped out
- Major damage to nearly every home
- At least 5 homes completely destroyed
- No power for over 2 weeks now
- Loss of stored and refrigerated food
These damages affect our livelihoods, as our food sources are gone with the destruction, and we are now facing the very real threat of famine. While we are committed to replanting, it will take months or even years before we can harvest again.
Our Current Situation:
For three days, we were completely cut off—no way to leave the village and no communication with the outside world. Once the storm passed, our community immediately began cleanup efforts using only machetes and the few tools we had.
We are doing everything we can—but our resources are extremely limited. At this time, we have not yet received direct assistance due to our remote location.
Your donation will directly support our community by helping us:
- Purchase essential tools and equipment for cleanup and rebuilding
- Replace basic necessities lost in the storm
- Support recovery efforts as we rebuild our homes and lives
- With no electricity, much of our food has spoiled. Despite efforts to preserve what we can, we are now rationing what little remains. Also, all the crops and plants we heavily depend on for food has been destroyed. Your support will help us feed our community during this critical time.
Additional Information for Transparency
1. Who am I? & How am I related to the person(s) that I am raising funds for?
I am a member of the Apiniki community and have close family ties within the village. I am organizing this fundraiser on behalf of our community members—families, relatives, and neighbors—who have all been directly impacted by Typhoon Sinlaku. This effort is a collective initiative to support our people as we recover and rebuild together.
2. What is my plan to transfer the funds to the intended recipient(s)?
All funds raised will be carefully managed and distributed directly to the Apiniki community. I will be managing the funds and distribution efforts on the ground with the task force team that has been created and approved by our elders in the community.
3. How will the funds be spent?
The funds will be used to support both immediate relief and ongoing recovery efforts, including:
- Purchasing tools and equipment for debris clearing and rebuilding
- Providing food and basic necessities for affected families
- Hiring out help, if necessary.
- Supporting replanting efforts to restore long-term food sources
Every dollar will go toward helping the Apiniki community recover, rebuild, and regain stability after this devastating storm.
Other Ways to Help
You can also support us by donating the following items:
- dry goods,
- clothing (children’s and men’s),
- toiletries (soap, deodorant, etc)
- toilet tissue
- baby diapers/wipes
- adult diapers
- flashlights/battery operated lamps.
- batteries
- dry snacks
- camping tents
- tents
- blankets (baby and regular-sized)
- reusable water bottles
Please take items to drop off sites, or mail them directly to us at:
PO Box 552
Weno, Chuuk FM 96942
Kinisou me Tong Chapwur! We cannot do this alone, so we humbly ask for your support during this difficult time.
To everyone who has reached out, prayed for us, or extended a helping hand—thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Your kindness means everything to us.