US Typhoon Sinlaku Recovery Support for Chuuk Continues

Photo Sources: U.S. Embassy Kolonia

By Christopher Cottrell

June 9, 2026, Federated States of Micronesia__Nearly two months after Typhoon Sinlaku unleashed widespread damage in Chuuk state, recovery efforts continue, with renewed support from the United States through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

U.S. Embassy Kolonia issued a statement Monday June 8, which reads, “The United States stands with the people of the Federated States of Micronesia as they recover from Super Typhoon #Sinlaku. The FEMA Federal Emergency Management Agency has issued a Compact Disaster Declaration to unlock critical relief and recovery funding for affected communities. The U.S. Government remains fully committed to supporting a full and speedy recovery.”

FEMA’s Compact Disaster Declaration notice reads, “Following completion of a U.S.-FSM Joint Assessment, the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a Compact Disaster Declaration for Super Typhoon Sinlaku, acknowledging the storm’s severity and its significant impact on affected communities. Under this declaration, FEMA will transfer funding support to relief and recovery efforts and will make a rapid release to address immediate unmet needs in the impacted areas.

“The U.S. Government and its implementing partners will coordinate assistance in accordance with a FEMA approved Disaster Relief and Recovery Plan and governing interagency procedures. The United States remains fully committed to helping the Federated States of Micronesia achieve a full and speedy recovery.”

FEMA also stated, “This declaration authorizes the U.S. government to provide disaster relief and recovery assistance under Article X of the Federal Programs and Services Agreement to the Compact of Free Association between the Government of the United States of America and the Government of the Federated States of Micronesia. The U.S. Department of State will coordinate these disaster assistance efforts. Funding will be provided by FEMA.”

Last week, the U.S. government also, “delivered its second shipment of relief supplies to Chuuk following Super Typhoon #Sinlaku’s devastation. This delivery followed an initial shipment in April and brought 86 pallets of essential supplies to support affected communities.”

These included, 3,500 plastic tarpaulins, 1,700 shelter kits, 420 kitchen sets, 1,000 buckets with lids, and 1,000 buckets with lids and taps.

U.S. Embassy Kolonia stated, “The U.S. Government is coordinating its typhoon response with the National Government of the Federated States of Micronesia and the International Organization for Migration – Micronesia to ensure timely and effective relief for those most in need.”

Also last week, the Asian Development Bank (ADB), of which the US Government is a top shareholder along with Japan, announced a US$ 500,000 grant for the FSM from its Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund. ADB’s North Pacific Advisor Aziz Haydarove said, “ADB extends its deepest condolences to the Federated States of Micronesia for the loss of life, damage, and upheaval caused by Typhoon Sinlaku.” He added, “This grant will support the Government of the FSM to respond to the urgent needs of people in Chuuk and Yap states, and we stand ready to provide additional support as needed to help the country rebuild and recover.”  

Landing on April 10, Typhoon Sinlaku impacted over 34,000 people across 42 municipalities in Chuuk and Yap states, with “destructive winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surge caused at least nine deaths and destroyed around 7,000 homes,” according to the ADB.