CNMI

With the “All Clear” declared but advisories still in effect, utility crews across the CNMI are confronting fragile systems and storm‑related setbacks as they work to bring electricity and water back online for Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Speaking from Rota during a Wednesday phone interview, Sen. Donald Manglona said Typhoon Bavi delivered some of the island’s worst damage in a decade, knocking out water service and destroying up to half of its power poles.

CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King‑Hinds issued a late‑Tuesday Instagram message reassuring residents that recovery efforts were already underway, shortly after the Commonwealth lifted its all‑clear following Typhoon Bavi’s direct landfall on Rota.

Rota Mayor Aubrey Hocog confirmed Monday that the Mayor’s Office suffered “major damages” after Super Typhoon Bavi’s eyewall passed directly over the island.

Flash flooding and extreme winds hammered Rota early Monday as Super Typhoon Bavi passed overhead, prompting urgent safety warnings and driving hundreds of residents into government shelters.

Federal Coordinating Officer Andrew Grant said Saturday that FEMA is mobilizing “in full force” ahead of Bavi, using lessons from Typhoon Sinlaku to accelerate the CNMI’s federal response.

With FEMA mobilized under a new emergency declaration, Gov. David Apatang is urging residents to take Super Typhoon Bavi seriously as the powerful system slows and strengthens on a direct path toward the Marianas.

The Marianas Visitors Authority has unveiled a concept to transform Saipan’s historic Japanese Lighthouse into a visitor and cultural experience center while urging businesses, government agencies and community groups to help develop new attractions and experiences that strengthen the Marianas tourism industry.

With the theme “Together We Rise, Together We Stand,” Saipan’s 80th Liberation celebration will move forward Friday and Saturday, offering residents a chance to reconnect after weeks of disaster recovery.

Guam and CNMI residents may soon see more affordable legal services after both Supreme Courts signed matching reciprocity orders that open cross‑jurisdiction admission for attorneys in good standing.