By Sarah Martin
American Red Cross Utah/Nevada Region Communications Manager

A destructive typhoon struck the territory of Guam on May 24, wreaking havoc on the island. With winds reaching 140 mph, Typhoon Mawar toppled hundreds of homes and businesses, causing a power outage that lasted for days. Typhoon Mawar was reportedly the most powerful storm to hit the region in over two decades.

The American Red Cross swiftly responded to the disaster, with volunteers and staff on the ground within hours. They set up shelters, provided food to those displaced from their homes and assessed the damage to connect individuals with federal assistance.

Three individuals from the Utah Red Cross quickly answered the call to serve. Two were Red Cross employees and one was local volunteers, each bringing unique skills to the devastated island.
 

Heidi Ruster: Caring liaison between the Red Cross and Guam

Heidi Ruster, CEO of the American Red Cross Utah Nevada Region, is no stranger to disasters like Typhoon Mawar. For this particular disaster, Ruster served as the primary liaison for the Red Cross to the Guam government and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Just two hours after landing on the island, Heidi briefed the governor of Guam and the local FEMA head on the Red Cross' shelter plan and response. For the past 20 years, the Guam government has run its own shelters following typhoons. However, with Typhoon Mawar, the responsibility shifted to the Red Cross.

Heidi had daily meetings with local and regional leaders, addressing issues such as debris management and the safe delivery of supplies to the island – challenges unique to a small island disaster.
The job of sheltering was especially difficult on the island because of the extent of the damage and the lack of power. At one point, one of the major shelters was in a warehouse without air conditioning, and things like restrooms and cooking surfaces had to be brought to the shelter.

Despite these challenging conditions, Heidi will remember the people the most. She once helped a family set up their temporary FEMA-provided shelter, a large tent with metal beam supports. The family expressed profound gratitude.

“We come to disasters to help those in need, but we often find we come away with so much more than we give,” Heidi said.
 

Jacob Buck: Mobilizing a Community after Typhoon Mawar

Jacob Buck, an integral part of the Volunteer Services at the Red Cross, recently utilized his skills in a different setting - Guam. There, he effectively managed over 300 volunteers, including local residents and military personnel who had fortunately escaped the worst of the storm and were ready to lend their hands.

Jacob ensured that each volunteer found a meaningful way to contribute, primarily through working in shelters and providing food for those displaced by Typhoon Mawar.

During his month-long service in Guam, Jacob encountered both heartbreaking devastation and the warmth of a resilient community. "Guam welcomed us with open arms," says Jacob. "Their kindness and gratitude for our efforts were evident in countless ways."

Before Typhoon Mawar struck, the local Red Cross chapter had a modest team of about 20 volunteers. However, in the wake of the storm, hundreds flocked to the Red Cross, eager to serve their community.

Witnessing this transformation was deeply gratifying for Jacob. "Seeing people go from being unfamiliar with our mission to wholeheartedly embracing it was truly inspiring. The desire to alleviate suffering in their communities was palpable among the volunteers. My hope is that they continue to volunteer and effect positive changes in their communities," Jacob reflects.
 

Rayna Rogerson: Assessing the damage caused by Typhoon Mawar

Rayna Rogerson has deployed more than 20 times with the American Red Cross; she played a critical role in the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar. Deployed to Guam for three weeks, Rayna's mission was to conduct Damage Assessments, evaluating the destruction caused by the typhoon and classifying the damage to homes to provide immediate assistance.

Amid the widespread devastation, Rayna and her team faced the immense task of assessing the impact on homes, particularly in the poverty-stricken northern part of the island. She witnessed homes made of makeshift materials completely destroyed, leaving families without shelter, food, or belongings.

Among the heart-wrenching stories she encountered was a grieving mother who had lost a baby due to the storm, and a resilient community that, despite their own hardships, offered hospitality to the aid workers. Rayna remembers one man who saw their Red Cross clothing raised his hands and eyes to the heavens and shouted. “Thank you God for sending the Red Cross. We are saved!”

Rayna’s experience highlights the resilience of communities in the face of adversity and the profound impact that even a brief encounter can have on both volunteers and those they assist.