FEMA External Affairs Officer Victor Inge says the federal government is beginning to scale down its emergency response footprint in the Commonwealth, but long-term recovery work following Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi remains fully underway.
Inge said FEMA has approved more than $61 million in individual assistance for survivors of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, noting that although the registration period for that disaster has closed, residents with ongoing housing needs should continue to reach out.
“If you’ve been approved for housing assistance for Sinlaku and that need persists, reach back out to us,” Inge said. “There’s a possibility we could assist you through our continued temporary housing assistance program for up to 18 months.”
For Super Typhoon Bavi, Inge emphasized that individual assistance registration remains open through Oct. 3, with more than $3 million already approved—primarily for residents of Rota, which sustained the most severe damage.
As FEMA transitions out of its emergency phase, Inge said the agency is “right‑sizing” its presence, sending home personnel whose initial missions are complete. But he stressed that long-term recovery—particularly infrastructure work tied to Sinlaku—will continue for months ahead.
Inge urged residents to register for assistance before the Oct. 3 deadline.
He also addressed cases where applicants were deemed ineligible.
“If you’ve been told you’re ineligible, read that information closely,” Inge said. “We may simply need additional documents. Bring them to the Survivor Recovery Center on Rota—we’ve had more than 1,100 visitors—and we’ll upload them for you.”
Residents who believe FEMA made an incorrect determination can appeal by calling 671‑735‑1050, where experienced individual assistance staff handle cases.
