Seven killed, thousands left homeless: Chuuk still struggling to recover from Sinlaku
- Admin
- 3 hours ago
- 4 min read
By Mar-Vic Cagurangan
More than three weeks after Super Typhoon Sinlaku’s assault that killed seven people, injured five and displaced thousands of residents in Chuuk, communities across the Micronesian state continue to face the severe aftermath of the Category 5 storm.
“There is increasing concern over public health risks, including the potential rise in communicable diseases due to limited access to clean water, sanitation and healthcare services,” the Disaster and Emergency Operation Center stated in its latest situation report.
Sinlaku stalled over Chuuk and remained near-stationary offshore for three days, from April 10 to 12, exposing the island communities to prolonged storm surge, torrential rains and punishing winds before it headed to the Marianas region.
“Initial government-led assessments indicate widespread damage across Weno, the Chuuk Lagoon, and the Northwest and Mortlocks regions, with over 13,000 people displaced,” said Haimanot Abebe, spokesperson for the International Organization for Migration.
IOM is among the organizations that deployed response teams to Chuuk, joining the FSM government-led recovery efforts.
Abebe said the number of displaced residents continues to increase as assessments are ongoing and communities begin early recovery efforts.
“While immediate relief is ongoing, additional assistance is essential to sustain response efforts and support early recovery,” Abebe said.
“Key challenges include transport access to remote and outer islands, and disruptions to communication and power. These factors can slow the delivery of assistance to some of the most affected communities,” she added.
At least 100 residents are currently sheltering in evacuation centers, with no homes to return to. Based on initial reports, more than 4,200 people have been displaced due to “widespread housing loss” across 29 municipalities that have been assessed. Strong storm surges caused extensive damage to coastal infrastructure and communities along their path.
In total, approximately 34,000 people in Weno, Fananu, Piherarh, Tamatam, Onoun, Fanapanges, Parem and Uman were affected Sinlaku’s wrath. The villages of Wichap, Epinup, Neauo, Mwan, Sapuk, Penia, Peniesene, Tunuk and Mechitiw remain completely without power and communication service.
Micronesian President Wesley Simina and Chuuk Gov. Alexander Narruhn have declared a state of emergency for the ill-fated state.
“We are seeing significant needs as assessments are progressing, particularly as families cope with damage to homes, livelihoods and food sources,” Ewa Naqvi, chief of mission for IOM, said in a statement.
However, the emergency operation center said logistical challenges were impeding the disaster relief efforts.
“Roads are still blocked by the fallen trees. Huge numbers of trees, including breadfruit and banana trees, have ripped out of the ground and are lying across every roadway,” the emergency operations center said. “Communication systems, including telephone lines and emergency services, remain largely non-functional, significantly constraining coordination and response efforts.”
Officials also found damage to the main dock and underwater debris that restricted cargo vessels’ ability to offload critical supplies, exacerbating shortages.
According to the International Federation of Red Cross, the affected population is facing acute shortages of essential items, including safe drinking water, food, fuel and basic household supplies.
“Priority needs include safe drinking water, food, emergency shelter, essential household items, sanitation and access to healthcare,” Abebe said. “Damage to staple crops has heightened food security concerns, while damage to water sources, such as shallow wells and tanks, has severely limited access to clean water.”
Government authorities have mobilized relief supplies from Pohnpei, including 3,000 bottles of drinking water and 1,000 sacks of rice, and are facilitating the shipment of additional humanitarian cargo to Chuuk.
The Federation of Red Cross also reported that fuel infrastructure has been compromised by seawater contamination and electrical damage, raising concerns about the continuity of the power supply, which is currently dependent on limited reserves.
Sinlaku reached Chuuk on April 10, intensified into a typhoon on April 11, and developed into a monster typhoon with wind speeds of up to 125 mph on April 12.
Officials, however, said the full scale of Sinlaku’s impact remained unclear due to communication blackouts.
“The FSM government is working closely with Chuuk State to provide food relief, including rice, water and canned foods to reach those impacted by Typhoon Sinlaku,” said Cynthis Ehmes, Chuuk State’s disaster coordinating officer.
“We stand with the FSM during this time of crisis,” U.S. Ambassador Jennifer Johnson said. “We are dedicated to addressing urgent humanitarian needs and assisting with long-term recovery to ensure aid reaches the hardest-hit communities.”
The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division, the American Red Cross Incident Management Team, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and FEMA have also sent relief missions to Chuuk.
“These are our neighbors, our communities, our home. We will be here, working hand in hand with local partners and community leaders through the crisis and the road to recovery and healing,” Major Troy Trimmer, commander of The Salvation Army Hawaiian & Pacific Islands Division.
Subscribe to
our monthly
digital edition
