Delegate Kimberly King‑Hinds announced the approval at midnight in a social media post, saying the declaration under the Stafford Act “unlocks federal resources funding an emergency support through FEMA, and it is being activated now to support our islands before, during, and after the storm.”
Trump also approved an emergency declaration for Guam, according to Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero, allowing federal agencies to begin staging personnel and resources there as the storm moves toward the region.
Super Typhoon Sinlaku (04W) continues to track north‑northwest toward the Marianas at about 10 mph, according to the National Weather Service Guam. The latest Joint Typhoon Warning Center forecast shows the storm moving near Tinian and Saipan, with a Typhoon Warning in effect for Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Damaging winds are expected to begin this evening or tonight. Guam remains under a Tropical Storm Warning, with the onset of 39 to 73 mph winds also expected tonight.
Forecasters said the storm’s slight northward shift keeps Pagan and Alamagan under a Tropical Storm Watch, with hazardous seas, heavy rainfall, and dangerous conditions expected across all of the Marianas. The arrival of Sinlaku is possible between late tonight and Wednesday morning, though the exact timing may shift as the system continues its approach.
Apatang’s request for federal assistance cited an “imminent and escalating threat to life, public health and safety, and critical infrastructure.” The declaration enables FEMA to mobilize equipment, emergency protective measures, and rapid‑response teams ahead of landfall.
King‑Hinds urged residents to prepare, stay informed, and follow official guidance. “Let’s take care of each other as we always do,” she said.
