US Supports Recovery from Typhoon Sinlaku

Photo Sources: U.S. Embassy Kolonia, IOM Micronesia/ Lee Arkhie Perez Photography, US Coast Guard Forces Micronesia Guam

By Christopher Cottrell

April 21, 2026, Federated States of Micronesia___A week after Sinlaku struck the Commonwealth of the Northern Marian Islands, Guam and Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia, relief efforts are in progress, with donation coffers open from various NGOs here, with US Coast Guard conducting support missions. Last week, President Simina declared a State of Emergency.

For a gripping look at Fananu island in Chuuk State, Lee Arkhie Perez Photography has just posted this video.

On Chuuk, over 34,000 people of the 50,000 population have been impacted, with challenges cleaning up roads, and recovering power, especially for hospitals, key priorities.

According to the Chuuk Disaster and Emergency Operation Center (CDEOC), there was one fatality, reports of small outbreaks of civil unrest over lack of supplies, schools were hit hard, coastlines damaged with twisted trees and storm debris, and a ship carrying 4,000 gallons of fuel listing on its side.

Regionally, the US Guard has been providing critical emergency communication and coordination services following the collapse of telecom disruptions.  They have been also supporting mariner activities for shoring and dangerous sea conditions.

According to a US Guard statement, they advise to, “Stay off the water. Dangerous, life-threatening sea conditions are expected to last until the end of the week. Monitor VHF-FM channel 16 and other available channels closely.Use alternative communication methods where possible, such as satellite phones, Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons, or other distress-signaling devices. In case of emergency, attempt to contact the U.S. Coast Guard via any available means, or relay through nearby vessels or shore stations.”

Patton Epperson, incident commander, Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam said, “The Coast Guard remains committed to protecting the safety of life at sea. He added, ”We are coordinating closely with our agency partners to reduce risks associated with these outages.”

On hard hit CNMI, Capt. Jessica Worst, commander of Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam and the U.S. Coast Guard captain of the port for the region, said, “We know getting supplies into the area by vessel is a critical lifeline, and we are working urgently to find a safe path to get them there.” She added, “We will not stop until all our communities have restored maritime access.”

The US Seabees are also ready to support the Federated States of Micronesia. They recently completed critical pavement work to make sure critical mechanisms of law services flow smoothly at the Legal Service Cooperation.

U.S. Ambassador to Micronesia Jennifer Johnson, Defense Attaché Office legal service team convened with the Seabees at the project site. Ambassador Johnson commented, “On behalf of the United States, I extend my sincere appreciation to our Navy Seabees for their outstanding workmanship and spirit of service.”

She added, “This project reflects the enduring partnership between our nations under the Compact of Free Association, and our shared commitment to strengthening communities and supporting access to justice across the Federated States of Micronesia.”