Bethany Bray Patterson/ American Red Cross

Back-to-back storms have battered the Pacific islands region this spring, prompting the American Red Cross to open shelters, mobilize personnel and move supplies across the region as needs shift. 

In Hawai’i, multiple Kona low pressure systems brought weeks of intense rain and flooding. This week, Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands are bracing for potential impacts from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, a slow-moving storm that could knock out power and damage homes and infrastructure.

As risks eased in Hawai’i and needs escalated in Guam, more than 20 Red Cross disaster responders raised their hands to extend their service and deploy from Hawai’i to Guam to support the typhoon response.

After serving as assistant director of external relations for the Red Cross response in Hawai‘i, Mary Simkins repacked her bags to head to Guam to take on a similar role.

According to Simkins, there has not been widespread reports of damage in Hawai’i, and most of her team, many who live locally, can transition back to their non-disaster volunteer roles.

In both Hawai’i and Guam, the Red Cross mobilized personnel and supplies ahead of the storms, while also providing preparedness and safety information. Simkins and other responders traveling to Guam will reinforce the team already on the ground and bring additional supplies, including technology to support connectivity during outages.

Bart Jones was among the volunteers who deployed from Hawai’i to serve in Guam after working as a shelter supervisor on several islands during the most recent Kona low storms. He did not hesitate, seeing the back-to-back deployments as another opportunity to help and to continue serving alongside volunteers he got to know while in Hawaii.

“I love deploying because of the challenge,” said Jones, of Bellingham, Washington. “It often brings unexpected challenges, and you have to stay open, gracious and helpful, no matter how hectic things get.”

In Hawai’i, Jones said his shelter team worked well together, and it was heartening to see everyone pitch in to ensure people staying in shelters felt supported and connected to recovery resources.

“The bonding experience with other volunteers was great,” he said. “It’s been amazingly easy to connect because everyone has a good heart.”

The climate crisis is driving more frequent and more intense disasters. The Red Cross now responds to nearly twice as many major disasters as it did a decade ago. Continuous responses, such as what the Pacific islands region has experienced this spring, can lead to fatigue for people impacted by disasters.

“I want to reinforce support for Red Cross teammates who deployed to Guam before the storm and watched it intensify,” said Michigan resident Simkins. “It’s important for island communities to know what they are seen and cared for. We want to be there wherever there is a need.”

About the American Red Cross:

The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.