By Ulysses Torres Sabuco
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Variety News Staff
PUBLIC school shelters across Saipan are now operating at more than half capacity as residents continue to move to safer locations ahead of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, while Rota has begun receiving a smaller number of evacuees.
The Public School System activated school-based shelters Monday night to provide safe relocation sites as the islands brace for one of the strongest weather systems in recent history.
Commissioner of Education Lawrence F. Camacho, who is overseeing shelter operations, said the number of evacuees continues to rise, with several sites already approaching or exceeding half of their designed capacity.
As of 1 p.m., PSS shelters reported the following:
Saipan
At Marianas High School, the main cafeteria, designed for 100 occupants, has taken in 68 individuals.
Kagman High School’s cafeteria, with an 80-person capacity, is currently housing 58 evacuees.
Koblerville Elementary School, which can accommodate up to 100 individuals, also has 58 shelterees as of this reporting time.
Tinian
On Tinian, the Tinian Elementary School cafeteria has recorded 42 individuals seeking shelter.
Rota
On Rota, nine individuals are being accommodated between the Sinapalo Office on Aging, serving as the primary site, and Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School, designated as the secondary shelter.
Public School System personnel continue to monitor shelter capacity. CNMI officials are also urging residents in vulnerable areas to move early while conditions remain safe for travel.
