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Boonie Tails

By Grace Keilbach

Super Typhoon Sinlaku makes a direct hit

As our last newsletter went out, the CNMI was preparing for Typhoon Sinlaku to hit. At that point in time, we knew a typhoon was coming, but the extent of damage it would cause was unknown. Everyone was hoping for the best but preparing for the worst, and we were optimistic that the storm would shift even slightly, sparing our islands from a direct hit. Unfortunately, mother nature stood true and Typhoon Sinlaku not only showed up, but decided to stay awhile, causing unprecedented and catastrophic damage.

Super Typhoon Sinlaku made a direct and devastating impact on Saipan and Tinian as well as hitting Chuuk, Rota, and Guam, bringing with it sustained winds that tore through homes, infrastructure, and the very heart of our community.

Typhoon Sinlaku Timeline: April 2026

The Scale of the Crisis

The numbers coming in are more than just statistics, they are lives that have been changed:

• Infrastructure Collapse: Over 90% of the power grid on Saipan is currently offline, and water distribution remains critical as teams work to repair damaged pump stations. With many people living outside and most everyone still without power, staying hydrated is now more critical than ever. Water scarcity remains to be the biggest concern for safety and health.

• Total Loss: Initial assessments suggest that hundreds of homes have been classified as "destroyed" or having "major damage," leaving families with nothing but the clothes on their backs.

• Communication Blackout: With cell towers down during the peak of the storm, many of us spent terrifying hours in silence, unable to check on loved ones and leaving people unable to call for help. I did not hear from Aria until Thursday, Friday Saipan time.

  

  Damage on Saipan from Typhoon Sinlaku

Boonie Babies Headquarters

During the storm, Aria and the animals took shelter in her home, a secure concrete structure with double pained, typhoon proof windows. Well, much like many other people’s “typhoon proof” windows, Aria’s did not hold up. With the storm crawling along at 3 mph, the hours of 175+ mph winds took out multiple windows and doors throughout the home. Aria and her boyfriend Kaden worked to shuffle all of the animals into more secure rooms and minimize damage the best that they could before taking shelter under a bed for safety themselves. With no cell service, they remained there for hours, having no idea just how slow the storm was moving or when it would be over.

Boonie headquarters took on significant damage, making it unlivable until repairs can be made. Aria and Kaden also lost many personal belongings in the storm. Luckily, we do not own the property and Aria and the dogs have acquired other safe living arrangements with family on island. I know Aria has a lot more to share about this but she has been unable to send me much information due to the extremely limited cell service. To everyone who has been asking how to help Aria and Boonie Babies directly, I am unsure of her personal and specific needs at this moment but will share them when I do. In the mean time, please know that all things considered, she is doing well and has what she needs. However, many other people desperately need our help.

How to help

Although federal aid has started to show up and more is on the way, it is a very slow process, making supporting local organizations and aid efforts crucial at this time. If you are willing to and able, here are some ways you can support humanitarian aid for Saipan and Tinian:

Monetary Donation: Organized by Saipan Humane co-founder and our trusted friend Lauren Cabrera, all donations made to this GoFundMe are being used to support immediate relief efforts such as food and water distribution. Funds raised are already being used to make a life saving impact.

Spring Cleaning: As you bring out your spring and summer wardrobe, instead of taking those clothes you no longer want to your local goodwill, head to your nearest post office and put them in a flat rate shipping box instead! Aria and I are working to organize a ‘Boonie Basics’ pop event where anyone who needs basic items can come grab what they need. We are looking for new or gently used summer clothing of all types and sizes! To ship your donation to Saipan cost effectively, we strongly recommend using a USPS flat rate shipping box (do NOT go to UPS, it will cost you an arm and a leg) and shoving as many clean clothes as you can into it. Please ship your donations as soon as possible to Aria Keilbach, P.O. Box 505621, Saipan, MP 96950. The cost of shipping should be about $20-$30 USD. Check ‘cleaning out your closet’ off of your to do list and support those who need it most.

Books for Boonies: Did you know that you can ship books and educational material at a discounted rate through the USPS’s media mail program? Along with your box filled with clothes, place any gently used children’s or adult books of any genre that you think someone may enjoy (comic books not allowed) into a separate box or envelope and head on down to a United States Postal Office. Please ship your donations as soon as possible to Aria Keilbach, P.O. Box 505621, Saipan, MP 96950.

Due to flooding, even those who didn’t lose their entire homes still lost so much. Let’s work together to provide them with the “basic” things we can to show our support. Plus, with power not expected back for months, books can be a great break from reality and give people of all ages something to do. Once enough clothing and book donations have arrived, Aria will organize a day for people to come collect what they need. Media mail shipping is based on weight (approx. $4.47–$4.63 per pound) and not distance. Only include books (no comic books) and NOTHING else in your media mail box as it is subject to search and you will be charged for items that do not meet the criteria. When you arrive at the post office, make sure to let them know your package is media mail to receive the discount.

Wish List: Click HERE to shop our Amazon Wishlist! All items purchased will be shipped directly to Aria. She will take what she needs and distribute the rest at our Boonie Basics event! Please remember that items take time to arrive so the sooner you can ship, the better.

Adopt: If you have ever thought about adopting a Boonie, now is the time! Click HERE to learn more and fill out an application. We have puppies to older adults and everything in between! Please note that adopters must cover or fundraise for the cost of the flight (approximately $2000-$3000 USD) as we must use our funding to directly support operations on island. However, we are flexible with setting up a payment plan. For your viewing pleasure (and persuading) here are some of our youngest Boonies in desperate need of their forever home. P.S. the lighter weight the dog, the cheaper they are to ship! With a vet coming out May 6 (helped paid for by donations made to Boonie Babies thank you!), we are hoping that all dogs will ship out shortly after.

Share: If you are unable to donate to any of the above or adopt, no worries! You can still help our community and save the Boonies by liking, sharing, and commenting on our content. This is just the beginning of recovery and it is important that this story doesn’t disappear as time passes. And don’t worry, we are working with many animal welfare organizations behind the scenes to ensure that all of our four legged friends will be taken care of too!

As always, thank you for reading and supporting Boonie Babies. I know we’ve said this before but it couldn’t be more true today; now is the time we need you the most. No matter what you can contribute, please know that your donation and support make an impact.

Sending a clothing or book donation to Saipan? Make sure you get a picture to post and tag us so that we can encourage others to do the same! The support that the CNMI has been receiving world wide from people off island has truly been incredible but it is crucial that we keep it going. Thank you for being a part of saving lives, no matter how many legs they have.

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