Episcopal Relief & Development Responds After Typhoon Mawar in Guam

Photo Credit: The Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine

Press Release

July 12, 2023

Episcopal Relief & Development is partnering with The Episcopal Church in Micronesia to provide emergency supplies in Guam after Super Typhoon Mawar hit the island on May 24, 2023 and left the majority of residents without electricity or water.

The powerful typhoon, which contained Category 4-level winds, significantly damaged homes and other buildings. In addition, hundreds of families lost all of their belongings and have sought shelter in cars and under bus stops and fallen trees. Many parts of the affected area, including rural communities, are still without power one month after the storm. Many people in the villages of Dededo, Yigo, Agat and Merizo, lack transportation to hubs where they can access food, water and other necessary supplies.

Episcopal Relief & Development is supporting The Episcopal Church in Micronesia to provide gift cards for gas and groceries as well as cash assistance. The Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine is leading the response and has been using its building as a staging area to collect and distribute donations.

“The Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine used their existing resources to respond immediately to Super Typhoon Mawar,” said Tamara Plummer, Program Officer, Episcopal Relief & Development. “Episcopal Relief & Development will continue to support the church with technical assistance and spiritual care as they assess community needs and begin to rebuild.”

The Episcopal Church of St. John the Divine is adjusting its response efforts as the situation evolves. The church has strong relationships with communities, nonprofits and government officials that will help in serving vulnerable populations.

Learn more about Episcopal Relief & Development’s response to disasters in the United States and how you can prepare for a disaster.

For over 80 years, Episcopal Relief & Development has been working together with supporters and partners for lasting change around the world. Each year the organization facilitates healthier, more fulfilling lives for more than 3 million people struggling with hunger, poverty, disaster and disease. Inspired by Jesus’ words in Matthew 25, Episcopal Relief & Development leverages the expertise and resources of Anglican and other partners to deliver measurable and sustainable change in three signature program areas: Women, Children and Climate.