Torres: We will overcome together

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres rallied the CNMI community after Super Typhoon Yutu left a swath of destruction on the islands of Saipan and Tinian early this morning.

“The winds and rain were strong, and they have tested our spirits. Already, we know friends and family who have experienced the worst of these conditions. My heart goes out to all who call the CNMI home. But what we suffer through together, we will overcome together,” he said in a statement.

He also asked the people of the Northern Marianas to please remain safe as winds continue to remain strong.

“Do not put yourself at risk… emergency responders were asked to remain temporarily in place during the height of storm. But the moment this subsides, they will be rushing to serve our people,” said Torres.

He added that while the CNMI has been battered by this disaster, the Commonwealth will be stronger because the islands are resilient.

“Our community, our neighbors, our friends, and our families are ready to rebuild stronger and faster than this typhoon.”

Although Super Typhoon Yutu continues to steadily move away from the Marianas, a typhoon watch remains in effect for the islands of Tinian and Saipan. Downed power poles as well as fallen debris are blocking roadways. In addition, the islands of Tinian and Saipan are continuing to experience damaging winds making it dangerous for motorists to be on public roadways.

The CNMI Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management is heeding the cooperation of residents to remain indoors until the “All Clear” has been issued to allow first responders to clear roadways of debris.

“Coordination amongst our state agencies and federal partners have already begun. Weather conditions remain hazardous. We are making sure we are not posing potential threat to our first responders. Our focus is on deploying resources to clear our roadways so first responders can begin assisting residents who have lost their homes and for those who need transport to seek medical attention or transportation to the nearest shelter. We just went through one of the worst storms I’ve seen in all my experience in emergency management. HSEM really needs the cooperation of the general public on this one,” said HSEM Special Assistant Gerald J. Deleon Guerrero.

At 9am, the center of Super Typhoon Yutu was located 95 miles west-northwest of Tinian; 100 miles west-northwest of Saipan; 120 miles north-northwest of Rota and 150 miles north-northwest of Guam. Typhoon force winds extend outward from the center up to 75 miles. Tropical storm force winds extend outward from the center up to 240 miles, which means, the islands of Tinian and Saipan will continue to experience damaging winds well into early this evening.