The American Red Cross responded by operating or supporting 15 shelters across the four islands, where more than 1,000 people took refuge during the peak of the storm. On Guam, approximately 100 Red Cross disaster responders are currently on the ground, with up to 70 additional responders en route via a 20-hour journey. These teams are working alongside local volunteers from the Guam and CNMI Red Cross chapters to distribute food, emergency supplies, and mental health support. Coastal Flood and High Surf Warnings remain in effect for Guam and Rota due to life-threatening rip currents and large surf.
Damage assessments have been completed on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, with no residential damage identified on Saipan or Tinian. On Rota, residents are in need of tarps to replace materials lost during the storm. In Guam, assessment teams are currently determining specific shelter needs and identifying neighborhoods requiring relief supplies. The Red Cross is also staffing two Emergency Family Assistance Centers at Andersen Air Force Base and Naval Base Guam to support military personnel and their families.
The repeated impact of severe weather has created a difficult recovery environment for local residents. Maxine Seo Thomas, a resident of Guam, noted that her home was damaged twice previously by Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi, which stripped the roof from her house. This time, she secured the roof with chains before moving her family to a shelter at Machananao Elementary School. “We were fixing it up and then another one comes,” Thomas said, highlighting the cycle of damage and repair. She added that Red Cross assistance, including food and materials for repairs, has been a significant help to her household.
Champi follows a pattern of intense Pacific activity that has affected the region over the past six months. Super Typhoon Sinlaku hit on April 14, and Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall on Rota on July 6, the strongest storm in the island’s history, damaging winds swept across the other islands. Guam, the largest island in the chain with over 150,000 residents, and the CNMI, which includes 14 islands with a population of around 50,000, continue to face challenges in rebuilding.
As the immediate threat subsides, shelters on Tinian will close, while one shelter will remain open each on Saipan and Rota. The Red Cross is coordinating with local officials to finalize shelter requirements on Guam based on the ongoing damage assessments. Organizations are urging residents to utilize the free 24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline for emotional support and are providing safety guidance for those experiencing power outages, including advice on food preservation and generator use.
