Typhoon Sinlaku

Damaged roof of a health facility in Chuuk Lagoon

From 9-12 April 2026, super typhoon Sinlaku, one of the strongest typhoons recorded this year, left a trail of destruction across several islands of Chuuk State, in the Federated States of Micronesia. Tens of thousands of residents were displaced, as the Typhoon damaged homes, downed power lines, and destroyed food crops and water sources.

WHO deployed staff to join government-led assessments to identify urgent health needs and risks, and coordinated the rapid delivery of emergency supplies to health needs and prevent potential disease outbreaks in affected areas across Chuuk State.

Situation at a glance

People in need

Affected population: 33 885 (total Chuuk State population); 26 805 in Chuuk Lagoon region (including Weno) and 7 080 on the outer islands (Mortlocks & Northwest).

Priority health needs

Priority needs: continuity of chronic non-communicable disease medication; safe water and sanitation; measles catch-up vaccination; outbreak detection.

Casualties & Displacements

Five deaths confirmed and one person reported missing. Over 4000 people are sheltering in more than 20 active evacuation shelters.

A snapshot of emergency response actions

Health worker stand in front of a partially destroyed health dispensary in Chuuk Lagoon

Ensuring essential health service continuity

WHO prioritized the restoration and continuity of essential health services at community and primary care levels — including re-establishing service delivery through outer-island dispensaries and community health centres.

WHO staff load emergency supplies to be delivered to areas across Chuuk State that were affected by Typhoon Sinlaku

Providing essential medical supplies

WHO coordinated the rapid delivery of emergency health kits, diarrhoeal disease kits, safe water containers, and dengue rapid diagnostic tests to meet urgent health needs and prevent potential disease outbreaks.

Members of the health partners coordination group discuss priority actions in response to Typhoon Sinlaku

Enabling multisectoral collaboration

WHO leveraged its convening power to bring together local health partners, in collaboration with FSM Department of Health and Social Affairs and Chuuk State Department of Health Services — to support coordinated health response actions.

 

 

WHO response timeline

Timeline of key milestones in the emergency response to typhoon Sinlaku

Health partners

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Australia

Logo of the Department of Health and Social Affairs in the Federated States of Micronesia

The Department of Health and Social Affairs in the Federated States of Micronesia