By Pacific Island Times News Staff
More than 600 representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Administration are currently on Guam and the Northern Marianas to help rebuild the islands hit by the destructive typhoon Mawar last week.
FEMA is coordinating meal, supplies and generator deliveries in Guam with local, territorial, federal, nonprofit organizations and private sector partners to help residents recover.
On Wednesday, FEMA Associate Administrator Anne Bink and Region 9 Regional Administrator Bob Fenton met with CNMI Gov. Arnold Palacios and other officials on response and recovery updates. Palacios’ request for a major disaster declaration is under consideration, FEMA said.
Following President Biden’s amended major disaster declaration for Guam on Sunday, FEMA received nearly 3,400 registrations for assistance, helping survivors jumpstart their recovery.
About 630 FEMA personnel are supporting response and recovery efforts in Guam and the CNMI , with over 315 staff in Guam. Additional Disaster Survivor Assistance Teams are being deployed to Guam to help survivors register for federal assistance.
A flood watch remains in effect for Guam through late Sunday night due to heavy rains and residents can expect additional flash flooding and power outage fluctuations. Pay attention to local authorities and avoid driving or walking through flooded areas.
The American Red Cross is providing 1,200 meals per day and delivering emergency relief supplies to about 3,000 households, which includes clean-up kits to help survivors with their recovery.
The Salvation Army is delivering food to Guam’s Department of Youth Affairs correctional facility.
Federal, Territorial, Commonwealth and Voluntary Actions
Survivors who are covered by insurance should file a claim with their insurance company or agent as soon as they can. Next, they should apply for FEMA disaster assistance, which may include funding to repair or replace their homes, temporary housing resources, access to low-interest loans or other programs to help them jumpstart their recovery.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has about 135 responders in Guam supporting temporary power, temporary roofing and debris missions. The first generator has been installed to help provide water to a village of roughly 6,000 residents..
The U.S. Coast Guard is conducting underwater surveys of transit channels and piers to remove any storm-related debris while its pollution response teams continue to assess vessels in the area.
Members of the Hawaii National Guard are deployed to supplement Guam National Guard soldiers through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact.
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