By Emmanuel T. Erediano
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Variety News Staff
FIGHTS broke out at laundromats over queues for washing and drying machines in the aftermath of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, prompting Saipan Mayor Ramon Blas “RB” Camacho to intervene in at least one incident on the island.
Camacho shared the incident with Saipan lawmakers during the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation’s emergency session on Saturday, recalling an altercation that occurred earlier that morning involving people waiting in line for laundry machines.
“So, I walked down to the laundromat, and I was able to control the situation,” he said.
He added that even at water distribution sites, residents were becoming increasingly stressed and easily agitated.
As mayor, Camacho urged patience from the public.
“We are all victims of this typhoon. We suffered the same. There’s no exemption. We all faced the impact. We need to hold hands with each other,” he said.
He also appealed to lawmakers: “They are our constituents. Please help them.”
According to a laundromat operator on Saipan, multiple incidents involving disputes over queues have occurred over the past four days following the typhoon. The operator said laundromats are operating on limited hours due to power and water shortages from the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.
Generators in use require rest periods to ensure continued operation. The main laundromat in San Antonio opens daily at 6 a.m. but closes at noon, then reopens from 2 p.m. to 4 a.m. Another location in Garapan operates from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily, allowing generator rest from 11 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The limited operating hours have caused inconvenience and stress among residents whose clothes, bedsheets, and curtains were soaked during the typhoon.
Jacinta Schneider, a resident waiting in line at a Garapan laundromat, told Variety: “I know there is always suffering after every typhoon. But what is really important right now is water.”
“I can live without power, but I want water first,” she said.
She said residents in her housing area in Garapan are struggling due to the lack of water, with some unable to leave their homes.
“If at least for one hour people will have running water at home, it would be very much appreciated. Even one gallon of water — I would be very happy if my neighbors could receive just to wash their hands or face,” she said.
“Do you hear me, governor? And you too, mayor. I am talking to you, too. At least one hour of water would be very much appreciated in the housing area in Garapan. Please,” Schneider added.
She said the lack of water is the main reason laundromats are limiting operating hours, contributing to long waits and stress among residents.
At the laundromat where she was waiting, she said, “I want to apply for a job here already because I’ve been here every day since after the typhoon.”
“Today it got better. I’ve been waiting only for two hours, but on the first day I spent six hours,” she said.
“And this is what makes me mad — we’ve been through many typhoons already. We should have learned from the first time. Water first,” she 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.
