The United Nations System in Micronesia Mobilizes a Coordinated Response and Support Following Super Typhoon Sinlaku

The United Nations stands with the people of Chuuk and all affected islands across the Micronesian region during this challenging time.

The United Nations Resident Coordinator, Mamadou Kane, expressed the full support of the United Nations system and reaffirmed its commitment to a coordinated, nationally led response.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to all families and communities affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku. The United Nations stands firmly with the Government and people of FSM. In moments such as these, we act with unity, urgency and compassion in support of national efforts to save lives and restore essential services,” said the Resident Coordinator.  

The Resident Coordinator also stated that “this is the United Nations Charter in action: supporting countries in crisis, protecting dignity and strengthening resilience. We remain fully committed to working with the Government of FSM throughout response and recovery.”

Government-led response supported by the United Nations and development partners

The Government of FSM and Chuuk State authorities have activated emergency response mechanisms, including the Disaster and Emergency Operations Centre (DEOC), emergency procurement procedures and national response capacities following the declaration of a State of Emergency and Presidential Declaration.

Response efforts remain focused on Chuuk Lagoon, the Mortlock Islands and the Northwest Islands, where authorities continue to lead coordination and operations, supported by the United Nations system and development partners including the Government of the United States, the Government of Australia, the Government of China, the Government of Japan, the European Union’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre, the Micronesian Red Cross and the Catholic Relief Services, at this critical time.

United Nations system response to Super Typhoon Sinlaku (at a glance)

The United Nations system in Micronesia, under the leadership of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Micronesia Mamadou Kane, is working in close partnership with the Government of FSM, Chuuk State authorities and development partners. Key actions include the following:

Rapid assessment and coordination

Joint rapid assessments are currently underway across affected areas with national and state counterparts. Findings are being used to guide immediate response priorities and early recovery planning, with further updates to follow as information is consolidated.

Agency response overview

United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
Supporting overall coordination, inter-agency information management, situation reporting and joint coordination mechanisms. OCHA is also supporting resource mobilization, including consideration of CERF funding in light of emerging needs.

International Office for Migration
Leading multi-sector assessments, supporting Government-led damage and needs analysis and assisting with logistics and maritime delivery of relief supplies to remote islands.

United Nations Children's Fund
Deploying specialists in WASH, education and child protection, supporting emergency services and distributing prepositioned supplies including tents and learning materials.

United Nations Populations Fund
Supporting reproductive health and protection services, deploying staff to Chuuk and delivering dignity kits and medical supplies in coordination with local Gender Based Violence service providers.

World Health Organization
Supporting health emergency coordination, deploying specialists, providing medical supplies and strengthening disease surveillance and emergency health response.

United Nations Development Programme
Providing technical support for early recovery and system strengthening, including advisory support to Government counterparts and review of available recovery resources.

UN Department of Safety and Security
United Nations security support is in place to facilitate safe humanitarian operations or it is supporting the United Nations system to enable safe and effective humanitarian operations.

United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination
UNDAC is coordinating the disaster assessments, which are being used to guide immediate response priorities and early recovery planning.

The World Food Programme

The WFP is supporting with the information management.

United Nations Environment Programme

UNEP has established an emergency response cell is working closely with humanitarian partners to mitigate pollution and environmental damage sustained from the typhoon.

Current One UN system humanitarian efforts are focused on critical life-saving interventions. Priority is being given to the distribution of food and clean water, the establishment of temporary shelters and the rapid restoration of communications and electricity. Simultaneously, teams are working on debris clearance and ensuring essential protection services reach vulnerable populations.

Commitment to recovery and resilience

The United Nations system remains fully committed to strengthen disaster preparedness and climate resilience in close coordination with the Government and development partners.  It reaffirms its solidarity with FSM and its people and its commitment to working as One UN system to save lives, restore essential services and support a resilient recovery.