By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
NEARLY three weeks after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Saipan’s business community is showing resilience and determination even as many companies continue to face steep operational and financial challenges, according to a new survey released Thursday by the Saipan Chamber of Commerce.
The survey, which gathered responses from 25 businesses across multiple sectors, paints a picture of an economy working to reopen but constrained by power outages, generator fuel shortages, structural damage, and workforce disruptions. Some businesses have resumed normal operations, while others are on reduced hours, appointment-only schedules, or remain closed as they work toward repairs.
“This is a moment where we all need to come together and support local businesses, support each other, and move forward as one community,” said Dr. Joshua Wise, president of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce. “Our businesses are doing everything they can to reopen and serve, even under very difficult conditions.”
Widespread damage and uneven timelines
Businesses reported a broad range of storm impacts, including water intrusion, damaged roofing, collapsed walls, electrical failures, and losses of equipment and inventory. The Chamber said the damage created widely varying recovery timelines across sectors.
About 19% of surveyed businesses reported being fully operational or expecting to be within one week. Another 23% anticipate recovery within one to four weeks. However, the largest share — about 42% — expect recovery to take one to six months. More than 15% reported timelines beyond six months or remain uncertain.
The Chamber said the data underscores the uneven nature of recovery, with some industries adapting quickly while others face prolonged rebuilding.
Financial losses mounting
Nearly half of respondents — about 45% — reported moderate recovery costs between $10,000 and $50,000. Another 40% reported losses under $10,000, while several businesses indicated high to severe impacts exceeding $50,000.
“These numbers reflect not only the physical damage but the operational strain of trying to reopen without stable utilities,” the Chamber said in a statement.
Workforce disruptions
The storm’s impact on employees has added another layer of difficulty. Sixty-five percent of businesses reported that between one and five employees were affected by the typhoon. Ten percent reported impacts to six to ten employees, while a small number of businesses reported disruptions affecting as many as 26 to 100 workers.
“This is not just a business issue — it’s a community issue,” Wise said. “Families are affected, livelihoods are affected, and recovery requires understanding and support from all sides.”
Top needs
Nearly 70% of respondents said they urgently need information on disaster relief programs. Others cited reliable power and water, access to repair materials, and assistance from skilled laborers as key barriers to reopening.
Wise said the Chamber is working closely with government agencies, utility providers, and community partners to help businesses navigate the recovery process.
“This is not something businesses can do alone,” he said. “It takes coordination, support, and understanding from the entire community. Every effort — whether it’s shopping local, sharing information, or helping a neighbor — makes a difference.”
The Chamber said it will continue gathering data and advocating for resources to support the island’s economic recovery.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
