CNMI governor declares a state of 'significant emergency'

David Apatang

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Northern Marianas Gov. David Apatang today declared the commonwealth under a state of significant emergency in anticipation of Tropical Storm Sinlaku, which is predicted to develop into a Category 3 or 4 typhoon before landfall.

"Based on its current track, all populated islands within the CNMI, including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, are under threat," the governor said in an executive order declaring an emergency.

The CNMI anticipates a high probability of widespread power outages, wind damage to homes and critical facilities and significant disruptions to transportation and communications systems.

"This emergency declaration is necessary for the commonwealth government to identify and mobilize available resources in response to the anticipated impact and potential damages of Tropical Storm Sinlaku approaching the Mariana Islands," reads the executive order.

As of 11 a.m. today, a typhoon watch is in effect for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, indicating that typhoon conditions, including sustained winds of 74 miles per hour or greater, are possible within the next 48 hours.

The National Weather Service said the storm is expected to produce heavy rainfall totals of 15 to 20 inches for Rota and 8 to 15 inches for Tinian and Saipan between Sunday night and Wednesday, significantly increasing the risk of flash flooding.

Additional anticipated impacts include coastal inundation, storm surge, and dangerous surf conditions across all islands.

The governor has ordered the activation of the State Emergency Operations Plan throughout the commonwealth and authorized the Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management to deploy any forces to distribute any supplies, equipment, materials and facilities.

In a separate directive, Apatang ordered a price freeze on consumer products and housing rentals.

Under CNMI law, violation of a price-increase moratorium during a disaster is punishable by a penalty of not more than $10,000, one year of imprisonment, or both.

Subscribe to

our digital

monthly issue