As the Government of Guam, working with partner agencies, continues recovery efforts following Typhoon Sinlaku, coordinated assessments are underway to determine the full extent of the storm’s impact on island infrastructure.
Damage Assessment Training Conducted
On Monday, April 27, 2026, the Bureau of Statistics and Plans (BSP) conducted an Initial Damage Assessment (IDA) training session for Government of Guam line agencies and instrumentalities. This training provided technical guidance on documenting disaster-related costs and infrastructure damage, ensuring that all reporting meets the rigorous standards required for federal recovery programs.
Upcoming IDA Training for Mayors and NGOs
To ensure every village and community partner is represented in the recovery process, a secondary IDA training has been scheduled:
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WHAT: IDA Training
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WHO: Mayor’s Council of Guam (MCOG) and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs)
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WHEN: May 4, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
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WHERE: Large Conference Room, Governor’s Complex, Adelup
Each Mayor’s Office and NGO is required to designate a representative to attend. This individual will serve as the primary point of contact for their organization throughout the joint Preliminary Damage Assessment (PDA) process.
Required Actions for Organizations:
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Begin Immediate Assessments: Document damages to facilities, equipment, and public assets.
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Maintain Detailed Records: Keep photographs, location data, and cost estimates for all emergency work performed.
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Submission Deadline: All IDA findings must be submitted to the Guam Recovery Office no later than May 8, 2026.
Disaster Assistance Status and Next Steps
Guam currently has an Emergency Declaration in place (FEMA-3644-EM), which provides federal support for emergency protective measures. At this time, federal support is focused on lifesaving and life sustaining efforts. A Major Disaster Declaration—which would unlock broader Public Assistance (PA) for permanent repairs and debris removal, as well as Individual Assistance (IA) for residents—has not yet been requested. Joint Preliminary Damage Assessments (PDAs) with FEMA are being conducted to evaluate the extent of impacts and to support the Government of Guam’s request for a federal major disaster declaration, if warranted.
If a major disaster declaration is approved, PA may provide funding to eligible territorial and local government agencies, as well as certain nonprofit organizations, for disaster-related costs such as debris removal, emergency protective measures, and the repair or replacement of damaged public infrastructure.
If authorized under the declaration, IA may provide direct support to eligible individuals and households affected by the disaster, including temporary housing and other qualifying disaster-related expenses.
The Government of Guam and its partners will begin conducting IDAs for residential damages to better understand the extent of impacts to households following Typhoon Sinlaku. The findings from these assessments will help determine next steps, including whether to request a joint IA PDA with FEMA.
Residents are encouraged not to wait for assistance and, if it is safe to do so, begin or continue cleanup and repairs. Individuals should document typhoon-related damage to their homes and personal property by taking photographs, saving repair receipts, and maintaining records of losses. This documentation may be necessary if federal assistance programs for individuals and households become available.
Residents are also advised to rely on official sources, including the Joint Information Center and the Government of Guam, for the latest updates. Be cautious of rumors or unofficial information regarding disaster assistance programs, as details may change based on ongoing assessments.
For the latest updates from the Joint Information Center, visit https://ghs.guam.gov/.