Some 1,300 residents from Saipan, Tinian and Rota in the Northern Marianas have registered for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance, FEMA’s Stephen DeBlasio said.
DeBlasio commended the Marines and the Navy for bringing FEMA relief supplies to the islands.
Marine Maj. Joseph Montedoro and Daniel Duhan of the Navy said they will remain on island until their mission is completed which is to help Saipan generate power and water again and to distribute food to those who need it.
DeBlasio said they will “work simultaneously on everything — we have the resources.”
Marianas Variety has learned that Gov. Eloy S. Inos is on his way back to the CNMI. He has been regularly communicating with the Lt. Governor, Ralph Torres. since day one, the administration said.
On Sunday at 8 a.m., acting Governor Torres held an “emergency” cabinet meeting at a restaurant in Garapan.
Press Secretary Ivan Blanco said it was a last-minute meeting to discuss trash and debris cleanup.
He said power restoration may take three to four weeks.
“Hopefully, by next week things will be moving forward,” he added. “The acting governor is anticipating that all government offices will be open by Tuesday or Wednesday.”
He added, “I can understand the frustration and we welcome all comments, but we are appealing for more patience and understanding. Responders are doing their best to help to bring things back to normal. We are resilient and I know we can all bounce back.”
A resident, who declined to be identified, said: “Of course these government officials are ‘resilient.’ They don’t need to fall in long lines for their fuel and drinking water like the rest of the people.