Salvation Army sends emergency meals to Guam after Super Typhoon Bavi

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – As communities across East Asia begin to recover from Super Typhoon Bavi, the Salvation Army is expanding its disaster response.

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The Salvation Army Hawaii and Pacific Islands Division delivered more than 2,300 meals to emergency shelters on Guam during the first four days of response.

The organization said as recovery efforts continue, it will provide meals seven days a week in long-term Tier 2 shelters set up by the American Red Cross for as long as needed.

The Salvation Army’s Saipan Corps also distributed more than 250 meals and boxes of food staples to families in need through community outreach efforts. Pallets of food staples will be shipped from Saipan to Rota next week.

Rota faced winds of up to 180 mph, and the Salvation Army is working with local partners to assess current and future needs to provide critical relief.

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The Salvation Army Pacific Islands Division, headquartered in Honolulu, with support from the Salvation Army Western Territory, is lining up disaster relief teams to support mass feeding operations, damage assessment and critical relief.

The organization added that teams trained in emotional and spiritual care, including disaster situations, are helping residents navigate the emotional and psychological toll from Bavi and Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which hit the region less than three months ago.

“While the impact of back-to-back storm systems is truly devastating, we are ready to serve in whatever way we are needed,” said The Salvation Army Hawaiian and Pacific Islands Divisional Director of Emergency Disaster Services and Safety Ryan Yoshimoto. “As this crisis evolves, so will our efforts. We are grateful for our partners throughout the region and beyond who continue to provide essential relief during this time of immense need.”

In response to both super typhoons, the Salvation Army served nearly 16,000 meals, delivered more than 4,600 boxes of household necessities and provided emotional and spiritual care to more than 600 impacted individuals across Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia.

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The Salvation Army says donations can be made online here.