By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
GOVERNOR David M. Apatang on Monday said the Commonwealth is still finalizing its request for a major disaster declaration to the President Donald Trump as federal teams continue assessing the widespread destruction left by Super Typhoon Sinlaku on Tinian and Saipan.
Apatang said Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel are on the ground conducting damage assessments, which will determine the scope of federal assistance. On Sunday, the governor and other officials boarded a U.S. Navy helicopter to survey the hardest-hit areas on both islands.
“Tinian and Saipan really took the brunt of it,” Apatang told Variety, adding that Rota sustained damage but to a lesser extent.
U.S. Coast Guard teams are also evaluating conditions at CNMI seaports, with Tinian’s port reported to have sustained heavy damage. All ports across the Commonwealth remain closed to vessel traffic.
The Commonwealth Ports Authority reported that generators at the Port of Saipan are down and dock lighting has been damaged. With port operations halted, FEMA supplies and mobilization efforts could face delays.
Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport remains open only for rescue and emergency flights as crews continue clearing debris and assessing structural impacts.
Apatang said he will hold a press conference sometime Tuesday or Wednesday to provide an update on ongoing damage assessments.
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.
