Samaritan’s Purse announced emergency air aid as Typhoon Sinlaku devastated the Northern Mariana Islands, with Saipan and Tinian bearing the brunt of the destruction. The powerful storm tore roofs off houses and triggered severe flooding.
Samaritan’s Purse airlifts 40 tons of relief supplies to Saipan and Tinian
Authorities estimate that some of the hardest-hit areas will remain without power and water for weeks.
In response, Samaritan’s Purse has immediately coordinated with partners on the ground. This is to deliver emergency relief supplies and respond in Jesus’ Name.
At 2 AM this morning, the 767 departed from North Carolina—carrying urgently needed relief supplies to those impacted by Typhoon Sinlaku.
The storm ripped roofs off houses, caused severe flooding, and knocked out power and water. Power is expected to be out for weeks to come.… pic.twitter.com/th51sq6ZZW
— Samaritan’s Purse (@SamaritansPurse) April 18, 2026
The international relief organisation’s 767 cargo plane will airlift more than 40 tons of critical supplies to the battered islands. The shipment includes water filtration systems, shelter materials, and solar lights.
The plane will depart at 2 a.m. from Greensboro, North Carolina, to ensure these supplies reach hurting families as quickly as possible.
“Typhoon Sinlaku left thousands of people in desperate need of emergency relief, many are without water and power, and it’s going to be this way for weeks to come,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse.
Franklin Graham explained that this is why Samaritan’s Purse is airlifting supplies and standing with the people in their time of need. He added that his organisation wants families in Saipan and Tinian to know they are not alone, that God loves them.
N.C.-based organisation previously helped more than 7,600 families
Additionally, this is not the first time the N.C.-based organisation has stepped in to help the islands.
In 2018, Samaritan’s Purse responded to Saipan and Tinian after Typhoon Yutu, helping more than 7,600 families recover from the deadly storm. The organisation then distributed shelter materials, solar lights, generators, water filtration systems, and other emergency supplies.
Over the course of three DC-8 flights, it airlifted more than 80 tons of relief supplies to Saipan.
In a recent development,Meals on Wheels America announced it had received one of the largest single gifts in its history. The US-based nonprofit, focused on tackling senior hunger and isolation, was the recipient of $70 million from Mackenzie Scott.