By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved $5.5 million in Individual Assistance for survivors of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, with 1,670 applications approved for aid as of May 12, according to FEMA External Affairs Officer Veronica Verde.
Individual Assistance for the CNMI was activated on April 23, the same day President Donald Trump issued a major disaster declaration authorizing federal aid for damage caused by the April 11–18 storm. Since then, 7,868 residents across Saipan, Tinian and Rota have applied for FEMA assistance.
“So far, there have been 7,868 applications for FEMA assistance, 1,670 already approved, and the rest are pending,” Verde said.
She added that FEMA continues to process registrations and verify documentation, with additional approvals expected as inspections and eligibility reviews move forward.
According to the Office of the Governor’s Joint Information Center, the Survivor Recovery Center in Susupe — which opened May 6 — will begin a new operating schedule on Monday. The center will now operate daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., including holidays. A disability-priority line will be available during all operating hours.
Survivors may walk in for FEMA assistance, SBA disaster loan support, housing issues and other recovery services.
The $5.5 million approved to date covers housing assistance, personal property losses and other disaster-related needs. FEMA field teams remain deployed throughout the islands to help survivors register, upload documents and resolve application issues.
Survivors who have not yet applied — or who need to update their information — may contact FEMA through the Helpline at 800-621-3362, the FEMA App or DisasterAssistance.gov/.
The application deadline remains June 22, 2026.
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.
