The devastation caused by Super Typhoon Sinlaku has brought catastrophic loss and heartbreak to our neighbors in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Island. Our hearts and prayers are with every family affected by this disaster.
When Sinlaku made landfall on April 14, families endured terrifying 150 mph winds for nearly 50 hours without access to electricity, cell service or running water. Power grids on the hardest-hit islands of Saipan and Tinian collapsed, and communication towers went dark. In some areas, more than 20 inches of rain fell, unleashing severe flash flooding across already isolated communities.
When the storm finally passed, the damage was staggering. Thousands of homes were destroyed. Countless families were displaced to emergency shelters or makeshift tents — where many still remain. Clean drinking water became nearly impossible to find, with most sources either contaminated or completely inaccessible.
But in times of greatest darkness, your hope shines the brightest. Despite its isolated location in the western Pacific — roughly 6,000 miles from the U.S. mainland — your love was in action almost immediately. Working through a trusted local partner, your support provided critical emergency relief, including:
- Safe drinking water and food — including hot meals and grocery packages for individuals and families
- Essential hygiene supplies for those who have lost everything
- Solar lights to help families cope with ongoing power outages
- Kitchen and bathroom essentials through a home renewal effort for families whose homes were damaged but are still standing
- Crucial support for first responders — many of whom lost their own homes and belongings, yet have remained on duty around the clock, helping their neighbors while going without relief services themselves
While disasters can decimate lives and livelihoods in minutes, recovery often takes years. As families in the Northern Mariana Islands begin the long road ahead of them, please continue to keep them in your prayers.
Your generosity ensures that whenever or wherever our neighbors face crisis, Lutheran World Relief is there, responding faster and staying longer.