Damage from Super Typhoon Sinlaku is expected to reach into the hundreds of millions of dollars, CNMI Del. Kimberlyn King‑Hinds said, as the Commonwealth begins recovery under President Donald Trump’s major disaster declaration, which opens FEMA Individual Assistance and 100% federal reimbursement for eligible emergency work.
King‑Hinds said early assessments show severe destruction across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, including the collapse of the Rota port dock, major roof and HVAC failures at Saipan International Airport, and extensive damage to the Tinian power plant.
She said the CNMI cannot fund recovery alone and will pursue every available federal resource.
“We are going to ask for all of it,” King‑Hinds said. “Every single avenue to ensure the CNMI has adequate labor supply to begin this recovery.”
The delegate said her office is coordinating directly with FEMA and federal officials to speed up assessments and prepare the CNMI’s request for supplemental funding from Congress. She emphasized that reconstruction of ports, power systems, roads, and homes will require a large and stable workforce.
“There’s a lot of rebuilding that needs to happen,” she said. “We’re going to use this disaster as an opportunity to highlight how vulnerable our community and economy are.”
King‑Hinds said she intends to advocate for all residents, including foreign workers, as federal agencies finalize eligibility guidelines for disaster assistance.
