Typhoon Sinlaku

Facing mounting recovery costs and the loss of anticipated FEMA advance funding, Commonwealth Utilities Corp. Executive Director Kevin Watson is calling on residents to lobby House lawmakers to approve a $40 million line of credit he describes as essential to keeping restoration work moving forward.

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.

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.

FEMA is reviewing the CNMI’s $10.1 million request for Disaster Unemployment Assistance after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, Del. Kimberlyn King‑Hinds said Friday.

Jeju Air has committed to four flights a week until Oct. 25, with daily flights during peak periods.

With homeowners absorbing most of Sinlaku’s damage, SBA disaster‑loan approvals have climbed past $10 million, according to figures released Tuesday.

As SBA loan approvals reach $9 million, the agency is adjusting hours at its Capitol Hill recovery center to better serve businesses and residents seeking in‑person help.

CNMI residents who were unable to meet the June 1 deadline for Red Cross financial assistance may still qualify if they can show extenuating circumstances, the organization said, urging residents to contact its Saipan office for review.

Overseas Filipino Workers on Saipan and Tinian received $100 each in Sinlaku assistance as the Philippine labor team wrapped up its five‑day distribution on May 30.

With thousands still recovering from Typhoon Sinlaku, the Red Cross is reminding residents that today is the final day to start a financial‑assistance case for homes with major or destroyed damage.