By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
HAVING learned key lessons while assisting the CNMI in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Federal Emergency Management Agency Coordinating Officer Andrew Grant said Saturday that the agency will move in an expeditious manner to help the Commonwealth recover from Super Typhoon Bavi.
During a conference Saturday at the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management/Emergency Operations Center on Capital Hill, Grant assured continued federal assistance. Despite the devastation caused by Sinlaku, he said, “we learned a lot.”
“These are catastrophic and a deep concern for everyone, and the federal government is here to assist,” he said.
Grant said FEMA officials and staff gained valuable experience during post-Sinlaku response operations, particularly in working closely with CNMI partners.
“And I think those are important lessons learned that I believe will make a difference in what we do moving forward,” he said, should Bavi cause similar destruction to Sinlaku.
He noted that the U.S. government has secured an emergency declaration, allowing FEMA certain authorities to move more quickly in its response. He added that the agency is now reviewing “the playbook” from Sinlaku to improve its response time.
“As tragic as it was, it allows us to move that much faster,” he said.
Grant said additional response teams will be assembled, composed largely of personnel who participated in the recent operation.
“We also have some knowns in this event,” he said.
He added that in sudden disaster situations, agencies often do not know “what the hardest problems will be.”
“Now we understand those pretty well,” he said, noting that priorities may still shift depending on Bavi’s impact. He said FEMA will continue to work closely with CNMI partners to address the most critical needs identified by the local government.
“We will move in an expeditious manner to provide that temporary power where it is needed,” he said.
Grant added that federal resources and capacity are available and ready for deployment.
He also cited President Donald Trump’s assurance that the federal government will provide full support during the emergency.
“We will be here for this emergency and we are here in full force,” he said.
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.
