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DFEMS chief sends 6 firefighters to Rota for storm’s approach
Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services Commissioner Claudio Norita on Friday deployed six firefighters to Rota to augment the island’s emergency response team during Tropical Storm Chan-Hom’s approach.
DFEMS spokesman Derek Gersonde said the deployment of six firefighters from Saipan’s Search and Rescue Unit was in coordination with the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management.
Gersonde said the six firefighters will augment DFEMS Rota’s emergency medical technician and firefighters in anticipation of Chan-Hom’s approach.
“Our firefighters are expected to remain on Rota until Chan-Hom is no longer a threat to Rota and the Marianas,” Gersonde said.
As of 5pm, the U.S. National Weather Service said packing maximum winds at 50 miles per hour, Tropical Storm Chan-Hom was passing over Rota.
Last May, DFEMS Commissioner Norita also deployed six firefighters to Rota to augment the island’s understaffed DFEMS during the preparedness operation over Typhoon Dolphin’s approach.
Rota has only five firefighters.
On Friday, the Department of Public Safety also closed the Grotto diving spot due to typhoon condition III. It remained closed until yesterday.
DPS Boating Safety Section commander Sgt. Thomas Blas said strong winds and rough waters are present in Grotto, making the conditions unsafe for any swimmers or divers.
