Church members and missionaries assist with Typhoon Mawar cleanup in Guam

More than a month after the super typhoon hit, Latter-day Saint volunteers in Guam are still helping to clear debris and assist others in obtaining food, water and clothing

9 July 2023, 3:08 p.m. MDT

Two people on the ground help load an uprooted tree root into the back of a pickup truck, where two more people are pulling it in. — Volunteers help clean up debris, including uprooted trees, in Guam in June 2023. Church members and missionaries helping to serve as Guam residents recover from damage from Typhoon Mawar. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

In the weeks since Typhoon Mawar hit Guam, members and missionaries of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have been helping clean up and repair damaged homes and buildings, and distribute water and supplies as the islands’ residents wait for utilities to be fully restored.

Elder Rawlings and Elder Kim Burtenshaw and Sister Cyndi Burtenshaw help other volunteers sort glasses in the Salvation Army Thrift Store in Guam in June 2023. Church members and missionaries helping to serve as Guam residents recover from damage from Typhoon Mawar. | The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Typhoon Mawar hit Guam on Wednesday, May 24, and no fatalities were reported, according to news reports. It was a Category 4 storm when it made landfall and was the strongest typhoon to hit the U.S. territory since 2002, according to the Associated Press. The massive storm poured rain on the Pacific island, shredded trees, knocked out utilities and, in some places, ripped roofs off of houses.

Church members and missionaries along with other volunteers have been clearing downed trees and other debris, repairing roofs, distributing water and food, and volunteering with the U.S. Salvation Army.

Distributing water

The Church delivered over 50 cases of water to the Barrigado, Guam, mayor’s office, reported the Church’s Guam/Micronesia Newsroom on June 12. At designated stations in the area, missionaries were passing out water and food bags to residents in need.

As of June 12, many residents still did not have water in their homes and were relying on aid from various organizations for help.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Cleaning debris

Members of the Church in Guam have been helping to to clear debris from the roads, beaches, yards and tops of houses and buildings, the Church’s Guam/Micronesia Newsroom reported on June 12. Members and missionaries helped people repair roofs damaged from the storm and cleared away uprooted trees.

Local Church leaders have gathered cleaning crews to help, including full-time missionaries, Newsroom reported.

Assisting the Salvation Army

Members of the Church and missionaries partnered with the Salvation Army in Guam to gather and deliver supplies, the Church’s Guam/Micronesia Newsroom reported on June 7. They also served at the Salvation Army warehouse and assisted staff with bagging food and other items.

Due to the damage caused by the storm, people lost many of their personal belongings. Vouchers to purchase new clothing were given to shop at the Salvation Army’s thrift store for clothing.