Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (April 14, 2026) — A veteran disaster relief volunteer from the American Red Cross of Utah deployed to Guam over the weekend, joining almost 100 trained Red Cross disaster workers from across the U.S. to assist people in Guam and nearby islands in the path of Super Typhoon Sinlaku.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku was moving through the Mariana Islands on Monday, bringing sustained winds of more than 170 mph and the threat of up to 20 inches of rain. Tinian and Saipan, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, were expected to see the greatest damage, while Guam also faced damaging winds, flooding, water disruptions and prolonged power outages. The Northern Mariana Islands and Guam are U.S. territories, and their residents are U.S. citizens.
“Red Cross disaster volunteers, some traveling over 7,000 miles, are working with local partners to ensure shelters are in place when Typhoon Sinlaku hits the islands,” said Jeremiah Lafranca, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Greater Salt Lake Chapter. “Our teams are committed to helping those affected recover by providing care and resources in the days, weeks and months ahead.”
Among the disaster relief volunteers is Thomas Vitti, an experienced Red Cross of Utah volunteer from Draper who has deployed to other large-scale emergencies.
Volunteers and Supplies Are in Place
As Super Typhoon Sinlaku strengthened last week, the Red Cross pre-positioned relief supplies and disaster workers in Guam to support a quick response after the storm passes. Red Cross teams are coordinating with local community partners and emergency responders to provide support at evacuation centers opened ahead of the storm.
Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest storm so far this year, was producing sustained winds of more than 170 mph on Monday as it moved near Guam. While the U.S. territory is not expected to take a direct hit, the island could still see damaging winds and flooding.
Support Disaster Relief
Help people affected by disasters such as floods, storms and other crises by making a Red Cross Disaster Relief donation at redcross.org/Help, calling 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or texting REDCROSS to 90999. Donations help the Red Cross prepare for, respond to and help communities recover when disasters strike.
Become a Red Cross Volunteer Today
The Red Cross is seeking additional volunteers in Utah to meet the growing demand for disaster response. After training, volunteers are prepared to assist during local emergencies and, with additional training and experience, can deploy to national and international disasters. To learn more about becoming a volunteer, visit redcross.org/DAT.
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.
