By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang, in an interview on Saturday, said the people of the CNMI must prepare and “not be surprised” if Typhoon Sinlaku changes course.
“We have to prepare and pray,” he said.
He urged residents to pay attention to the latest weather bulletins.
At 2 p.m. Sunday, he declared Typhoon Condition II for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, while Tropical Storm Condition III was declared for Pagan and Alamagan.
Typhoon Condition II means that tropical storm conditions, including winds of 39 mph or more, are possible within 48 hours.
Today, Monday, government offices and schools, including Northern Marianas College, are closed, including most business establishments.
Shelters activated
According to the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, shelters opened at 4 p.m. on Sunday, April 12.
Residents who need shelter assistance are asked to use the shelters closest to their homes.
Residents are expected to bring their own bedding, food, and drinks to the shelter.
No pets are permitted in the shelter unless they are certified service animals.
An ID should be presented upon entry. To ensure the safety and comfort of all residents, those seeking shelter are advised to bring only essential items due to limited space and capacity at shelter locations.
• Saipan:
Kagman High School (North)
Koblerville Elementary (South)
Marianas High School (Central)
• Tinian:
Tinian Elementary School
• Rota:
Sinapalo Office on Aging (Primary)
Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School (Secondary)
For Saipan, the Office on Aging is open to accommodate persons with disabilities and those with medical needs. Services under these categories include individuals who are wheelchair bound, who need oxygen, and those with ailments that do not need to be admitted to the hospital.
For Rota, the Office on Aging in Sinapalo is the designated shelter. For inquiries, call Valerie Q. Apatang at (670) 532-2656.
Transportation services to typhoon shelters can be accessed by contacting EOC State Warning Point at (670) 237-8000 or (670) 664-8000.
Significant emergency
The interview with the governor came right after the governor issued Executive Order 2026-4 declaring a state of significant emergency, which he said is necessary for the CNMI to identify and mobilize available resources in response to the anticipated impact and potential damage of the approaching typhoon.
In his declaration, the governor authorized the deployment of any forces and the use or distribution of supplies, equipment, materials, facilities, and personnel pursuant to the CNMI Emergency Operations Plan.
Letter to the president
The governor also wrote President Donald Trump, respectfully requesting that he declare an emergency for the CNMI pursuant to Section 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act due to an imminent and escalating threat to life, public health and safety, and critical infrastructure in anticipation of the approaching tropical cyclone.
The governor informed the president that Sinlaku was forecast to intensify into a Category 3 or Category 4 typhoon prior to landfall. Based on its current track, all populated islands within the CNMI, including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, are under threat.
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, he said a typhoon watch was in effect for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, indicating that typhoon conditions, including sustained winds of 74 mph or greater, were possible within the next 48 hours.
The storm, he said, is expected to produce heavy rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches for Rota and 8 to 15 inches for Tinian and Saipan between Sunday night and Wednesday, significantly increasing the risk of flash flooding.
Additional anticipated impacts include coastal inundation, storm surge, and dangerous surf conditions across all islands. There is also a high probability of widespread power outages, wind damage to homes and critical facilities, and significant disruptions to transportation and communications systems.
The governor said this situation “constitutes an emergency within the meaning of Section 102(1) of the Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. § 5122(1), in that federal assistance is needed to supplement Commonwealth and local efforts and capabilities to save lives, protect property, protect public health and safety, and lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe.”
His request for an emergency declaration, the governor said, “is to mobilize critical response resources into the Commonwealth ahead of the storm’s landfall given our remote location and the time and distance from the continental U.S.”
Accordingly, the governor requested that the president authorize an emergency declaration for the Commonwealth and make available Federal Emergency Management Agency Public Assistance for emergency protective measures under Category B, including all appropriate forms of direct federal assistance authorized under Section 502 of the Stafford Act, 42 U.S.C. § 5192, and implementing authorities.
Specifically, the Commonwealth requests that FEMA, in coordination with appropriate federal departments and agencies, provide or coordinate assistance as necessary and legally supportable to address the impacts of the event, including but not limited to:
Emergency Protective Measures (Category B Public Assistance): Authorization for eligible emergency protective measures necessary to eliminate or lessen immediate threats to life, public health, and safety.
Direct Federal Assistance: Assignment or coordination of direct federal operational support, technical assistance, emergency logistics support, and mission assignments to appropriate federal agencies as necessary to support the Commonwealth.
Other appropriate emergency assistance under Section 502: Any additional emergency assistance that FEMA determines is appropriate and legally available to supplement Commonwealth response efforts and avert catastrophic impacts arising from the event.
Emmanuel “Arnold” Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast.
