By Emmanuel T. Erediano
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
WITH federal officials now on the ground in the typhoon-battered CNMI, Gov. David M. Apatang said residents can be assured that help has arrived.
At a press conference Saturday, the governor was joined by FEMA Region 9 Administrator Robert J. Fenton Jr., Joint Task Force–Micronesia Commander Rear Adm. Joshua Lasky, and Department of the Interior Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular, International and Ocean Affairs William Hague, who is representing Interior Secretary Doug Burgum.
Also present were Special Assistant for CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management Clemente Bermudes, Public Assistance Office Special Assistant Patrick Guerrero, and Interior Deputy Assistant Secretary for Insular and International Affairs Angel Demapan.
“I am very happy to introduce our federal partners here today,” Apatang said. “They will be discussing what they’ve been doing over the past few weeks since Super Typhoon Sinlaku. I know the public is anxious to know what is going on, especially with water, power and communications.”
He said the CNMI government, along with its federal partners, is actively working to restore critical services and deliver needed assistance to the community as quickly as possible.
“I’d like to ask our people to be patient. Help is coming. We are actively working for you,” the governor said.
Hague said Secretary Burgum “stands wholeheartedly behind” the CNMI and directed him to travel to the islands as soon as possible. He added that Burgum meets regularly with President Donald Trump to provide updates and assess how the Interior Department can support ongoing federal response efforts.
“I’m amazed, frankly, seeing how much farther ahead you are, given that you’ve dealt with this before,” Hague said, noting the resilience and capability of both local and federal personnel.
Unified effort
Fenton described the response as a unified federal effort initiated shortly after the president approved a major disaster declaration in response to Apatang’s request.
Even before the typhoon made landfall, Fenton said, the president approved an emergency declaration within 24 hours, allowing FEMA to mobilize resources and coordinate with federal agencies.
He credited the Department of Defense and Joint Task Force–Micronesia for assisting both Guam and the CNMI, particularly in delivering generators and other critical supplies.
“As FEMA assessed the damage following the storm, the governor quickly submitted a request for a major disaster declaration, which was approved promptly,” Fenton said. “That allows us to go beyond immediate life-saving measures like water and power, and provide broader assistance, including support for individuals and debris removal.”
FEMA will also conduct assessments for permanent reconstruction, with decisions on those programs to be made later, he said.
Fenton noted that multiple federal agencies are assisting in the response, including the Department of Energy, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. Forest Service, the American Red Cross, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
Individual assistance
Fenton said FEMA continues to prioritize emergency needs across Saipan, Tinian and Rota, with personnel deployed on each island.
Residents whose homes were damaged may apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, which he described as the fastest way to get help. Applications may also be made by phone at (671) 735-1050 or 1-800-621-3362.
FEMA is also working with the CNMI government to establish in-person assistance sites to help residents register.
He emphasized that FEMA aid is supplemental and intended to address immediate needs such as home repairs and essential personal losses.
“It’s really important that we stay unified — from the federal government to the commonwealth government down to the mayors’ offices,” Fenton said. “This is a whole-community response, and we will continue working with you to help you recover.”
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.
