The American Red Cross has deployed 207 stateside volunteers to the CNMI to support residents recovering from Typhoon Sinlaku, as shelters on Saipan and Tinian continue to house more than 600 people.
Red Cross coordinating officer Nick Widmer said volunteers are staffing shelters, delivering meals and water, and working with the Commonwealth government to restore sanitation and accessibility. The Red Cross has assisted more than 500 residents on Saipan and over 115 on Tinian since the storm.
“We provide immediate disaster sheltering — getting people somewhere safe so they can begin their recovery — and then we provide the basic needs: food, water, shelter,” Widmer said.
The Marianas Chapter is also expanding its field assessments. Board chair Joshua Wise said teams are going village to village conducting preliminary surveys that will guide future service delivery. Longtime staffer JD Tenorio said the priority remains displaced families in shelters, while partners help reach residents who stayed in damaged homes.
Both Wise and Tenorio said more volunteers are needed to speed up assessments and support specialized teams, including healthcare workers assisting shelter residents. Youth volunteers from Red Cross Clubs have also been active across the islands.
Residents can report damage or request assistance by calling 670‑234‑3459 or 1‑800‑Red Cross. Tenorio encouraged the public to monitor media outlets and Joint Information Center updates for feeding sites and community resources.
The Red Cross continues operations on Saipan, Tinian and Rota and will remain on the ground as assessments expand and long‑term recovery planning begins.
