Solidarity Fundraising for typhoon relief in the Mariana Islands

22.05.2026: Am Spreeufer, Berlin

I hope you are well and staying resilient. My name is Andrew Gumataotao, a PhD researcher based in Germany from the Mariana Islands. I would like to share with you news about my home islands in the hopes of potential support, however big or small. In mid April 2026, category 5 super typhoon Sinlaku struck the Mariana Islands and Chuuk in Micronesia. The typhoon has since been put on record as the strongest tropical cyclone of 2026. To date, typhoon Sinlaku has claimed 17 lives across Micronesia. In the wake of the typhoon’s aftermath, government agencies, businesses and community organizations have come together to provide relief to thousands of families struggling for basic needs such as shelter, food, and water. While things are slowly getting better, help is still sorely needed. Those of us from across Oceania know all too well how we continue to experience the full effects of colonialism, climate change and the impacts of militarization in real time.

I would like to share with you one organization who is doing great work on the ground across the Mariana Islands in ensuring help goes directly to families and those most affected. Please take the time to visit Sinlakuaid.org and see the progress so far and the continued support that is needed in the Mariana Islands and in Chuuk.

Additionally, for those of you based in Berlin and Germany, as a whole, there will be an in-person Fundraiser on May 22nd 2026. Please see the attached flyer for more information. If you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.