Media contact: Keith Paul
Regional Communications Director
keith.paul@redcross.org | 702-400-7680
SALT LAKE CITY (July 7, 2026) — An American Red Cross of Utah volunteer is deploying to Guam today, joining other Red Cross disaster workers from across the country to help people in Guam and nearby islands recover from Super Typhoon Bavi, the second major storm to strike the region in the past three months.
Paul Chartier of South Weber left Utah on Sunday, July 5, and is waiting in Hawaii with other Red Cross disaster workers until conditions are safe enough for relief teams to reach Guam. He is scheduled to travel to Guam today, Tuesday, July 7.
“Red Cross disaster volunteers from across the country are deploying to Guam to help people recover from Super Typhoon Bavi,” said Michael Smauldon, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northern Utah Chapter. “Paul will play an important role in making sure shelters have the supplies they need to support families throughout the response.”
Once on the ground, Chartier will be part of the Red Cross disaster logistics team, helping ensure emergency shelters have cots, blankets, cleaning supplies and other essential items needed to support people displaced by the storm. This is Chartier’s third Red Cross deployment this year. In January, he deployed to Tennessee following severe ice storms. In late June, he supported the Red Cross evacuation shelter in Vernon, which opened for people forced to evacuate because of the Cherry Fire.
Super Typhoon Bavi Batters Guam and Nearby Islands
Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall Monday on Rota, part of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, bringing destructive winds and heavy rain to Guam and nearby islands. The storm came ashore with winds of 180 mph, striking a region still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which caused widespread damage in April.
Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are U.S. territories in the western Pacific. Tinian, Rota and Saipan are part of the Northern Mariana Islands, and residents of both territories are U.S. citizens. For many families, Bavi is the second major storm in three months to force them to seek shelter.
Red Cross Response
Red Cross disaster teams were pre-positioned on Guam and Saipan before Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall, allowing volunteers to begin responding as soon as conditions were safe. Additional disaster workers, including Chartier, are deploying to support the response alongside local Red Cross volunteers and community partners. Together, they are supporting emergency shelters, providing meals and distributing emergency supplies as damage assessments continue.
How to Help
Red Cross volunteers help people affected by home fires, floods, wildfires, storms and other disasters in Utah, across the country and around the world. Volunteers also support blood drives, assist military families and help communities prepare for emergencies. To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit redcross.org/volunteer.
Disaster relief donations help the Red Cross prepare for, respond to and help communities recover from disasters such as Super Typhoon Bavi. To make a donation, visit redcross.org/Help, call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or text REDCROSS to 90999.
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.
