Trump's disaster declaration unleashes federal aid for Bavi-battered CNMI
- Admin
- 9 minutes ago
- 2 min read
By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Saipan—President Donald J. Trump has approved the major disaster declaration for the Northern Mariana Islands, paving the way for more federal disaster assistance to boost recovery efforts in areas battered by Super Typhoon Bavi last month.
The presidential declaration, which took effect on Aug. 3, unlocks the Federal Emergency Management Agency's individual and public assistance programs for Rota, which was directly hit by the Category 5 eye on July 6.
"This decision brings essential resources to our island and strengthens our recovery efforts as we work to restore homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods,” Gov. David M. Apatang said.
“Our community has faced immense challenges from both Sinlaku and Bavi, but with this critical partnership from the federal government and the tireless work of our local agencies, first responders, and volunteers, I am confident that our islands will recover stronger and more resilient than before," the governor added.
Apatang issued an executive order on July 31, declaring the CNMI under a state of significant emergency, authorizing the government to mobilize available resources to continue repair and restoration work.
"While substantial progress has been made in repairing critical infrastructure and resuming economic activity on the islands of Saipan and Tinian in the three months since the landfall of Super Typhoon Sinlaku on April 13-15, 2026, significant work in restoring power and rebuilding continues," read the executive order.
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Several Rota residents remain displaced, with widespread devastation to homes and property, while power and water restoration is far from complete.
According to the Commonwealth Utilities Commission, 81 percent of Saipan customers have their power restored, with work ongoing on several feeders. Total available generating capacity is 44.5 MW.
On Tinian, the CUC restored power to 93 percent of customers, with work continuing in remaining affected areas.
On Rota, crews continue restoration efforts, with approximately 99 percent of water customers restored and power repairs ongoing, CUC said.
Officials advised residents that FEMA's individual assistance program offers help with temporary housing, basic home repairs and other essential disaster-related needs such as personal property, transportation, and certain medical, dental, or childcare costs.
"FEMA assistance is not a replacement for insurance and is intended to help jump-start recovery for essential needs," states FEMA's press release.
Apply for FEMA assistance by calling 671-735-1050 or 1-800-621-3362 (1-800-621-FEMA), visiting DisasterAssistance.gov, or using the FEMA app. Lines are available 8:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. ChST, seven days a week. If you use a relay service, provide FEMA the number for that service.
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