The CNMI may have to expect fewer visits from its main tourism market, Cabrera added.
He urged the CNMI people to include Japan in their prayers, especially the Japanese who have lost their loved ones.
In a statement, acting Gov. Eloy S. Inos said: “On behalf of Gov. Benigno R. Fitial and the people of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, I offer our most sincere condolences and profound prayers to the people of Japan — most especially, the family members of those who have perished, those who have been wounded, and those who remain unaccounted for at this time.”
Inos said he had contacted Japan Consul General Tsutomo Higuchi “to formally convey our condolences and continued prayers for the country and its people. We will work closely with Consul Higuchi’s office to address the ongoing developments and relief efforts in Japan.”
Inos added, “In consideration for the tragic events that have arisen in the land of one the CNMI’s greatest neighbors, I am calling on our entire community to respond to our brothers and sisters in despair. While we don’t have the ability to undo the damage, we have the opportunity to open our hearts to help our friends recover from this enormous aftermath. Japan has done so many good things for our islands, it is now time for us to give back in any way we can. Please continue to keep the people of Japan in your prayers.”
Congressman Gregorio Kilili Sablan Camacho issued a similar statement.
“The prayers of people of the Northern Mariana Islands go out to our neighbors, the people of Japan, who have suffered terribly from the earthquake and tsunami that struck a few hours ago. And I offer my deepest personal condolences to the families of the victims of this terrible event,” he said.
United Continental advisory
United Continental Holdings Inc., in a media release, announced travel options for United and Continental customers whose flight plans may be affected by the earthquake in Japan.
Customers scheduled on flights to, from or through the impacted areas through March 15, 2011, may reschedule their itinerary with a one-time date or time change, and the change fees will be waived.
If a flight has been canceled, a refund in the original form of payment may be requested. Complete details and eligible travel dates are available at united.com and continental.com.
The fastest and most convenient way to change travel plans is via united.com or continental.com.
You may also call United Reservations at 800-UNITED-1 or Continental Reservations at 800-525-0280 or your travel agent.
Wave
A four-foot wave slammed the old docking slip at the Garapan Fishing Base on Friday night following the 8.9 earthquake that hit Japan.
The first wave came at 7:16 p.m., as the dry seabed at the northside of the dock was suddenly submerged in water about one and a half feet high.
Department of Public Safety Detective Pete Aldan, who was at the scene with this reporter said: “That must be the first wave.”
Equipped with binoculars and a digital camera, Aldan had been monitoring the waves in the fishing base area since 6 p.m. The initial estimated time of the tsunami’s arrival here was 6:53 p.m.
Aldan observed the lagoon’s waves using some rocks as markers. There were moments when the water drastically went up and down.
Except for Aldan, this reporter and other DPS personnel, there was no one in the area. Most of the people had already relocated to higher ground.
At exactly 7:16 p.m., the sea bed that was dry earlier went underwater.
“The water rose and I observed a small wave coming in. It was about one foot and a half high and it took about four minutes before it receded,” Aldan said.
After the seabed that was five meters away from the dock became dry again, Aldan said: “Okay guys, let’s get out of here.”
The second wave rushed in at 7:25 p.m. with the water reaching the docking slip. The wave receded again at 7:44 p.m.
Aldan did not leave the area and kept taking photos of the waves.
He said there had been 10 tsunami warnings on island during his lifetime, but it was his first time to ever see a four-foot wave hitting Saipan’s shore.
The Emergency Management, Office lifted the tsunami warning at 10:50 p.m.
DPS started evacuating people in low-lying areas at around 4:30 p.m. This prompted anxious motorists to line up for gasoline at filling stations and created traffic jams on the tsunami evacuation routes.
DPS also deployed police officers to make sure that nobody was left in low-lying areas.
Except for at least a couple of restaurants, all of the business establishments on Beach Road were closed.
