Federated States of Micronesia, Typhoon Sinlaku - ETC Situation Report #1: Final (Reporting period: 26 April to 15 May 2026)

Country: Micronesia (Federated States of) Sources: Emergency Telecommunications Cluster, World Food Programme Please refer to the attached file. The WFP-led ETC in the Pacific supports governments to strengthen emergency telecommunications preparedness and response capacity. Following Typhoon Sinlaku, WFP deployed technical support at the request of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Emergency Management (DECEM), in coordination with national authorities and partners, to assess damage and support restoration of critical communications systems. Highlights • Typhoon Sinlaku intensified to Category 5 strength, causing widespread damage to telecommunications infrastructure across Chuuk State in the Federated States of Micronesia (FSM) in mid-April. Approximately 90 per cent of users (around 2,000 people) experienced disruptions to communications services. • WFP Pacific deployed a FITTEST Senior Telecommunications Specialist from 26 April to 15 May 2026 to support the response and initial recovery efforts. • A comprehensive WFP assessment confirmed extensive damage to fibre networks, radio systems, and power infrastructure, with outer islands largely disconnected and facing prolonged connectivity gaps. • WFP successfully repaired the Disaster Coordination Office (DCO) HF radio system, restoring long-range emergency communications capacity for coordination and response operations. • 16 Starlink terminals deployed by the Government are providing interim connectivity for critical services, including health coordination and emergency response function. • A total of USD 160,985 is required to restore telecommunications services; a significant funding gap remains.

Original source: Relief Web