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State of emergency not necessary–Teno
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Posted on Sep 12 2000
Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio yesterday ruled out declaration of state of emergency on Saipan, which municipal officials have sought following the damages on roads and vegetation wrought by tropical storm Saomai.
But he said he had instructed public works department and other government agencies to undertake a cleanup as well as to respond to the needs of the community, including possible financial assistance.
When asked whether this would require a special proclamation from his office, Mr. Tenorio maintained he “can not just declare a state of emergency” on the island.
“But I did instruct the department that if it is necessary, [it should] go ahead and rent some private equipment . . . to assist us in trying to clean up the road and other facilities,” he told reporters in an interview.
Last Friday, Saipan Mayor Jose C. Sablan appealed to the governor to declare a state of emergency to pave way for the island municipality’s immediate repair of roads badly damaged by the storm.
Major road repairs are urgently needed as the present condition poses great danger to residents who utilize secondary roads, according to the mayor’s office.
Saomai lashed the CNMI last week, forcing at least 200 residents to flee their homes because of the strong winds and heavy rains that flooded some areas here, the Emergency Management Office reported.
It also triggered minor landslides that damaged roads and vegetation. The storm felled some 20 large trees at the American Memorial Park, said Park Ranger Chuck Sayon.
The government, however, has yet to assess total damages to the three islands, according to the governor as he noted that his office has so far received no formal request for financial assistance from the evacuees.
“If there’s a request, we try to accommodate them,” said Mr. Tenorio, adding those who do need help only want assistance in cleaning up their homes.
Saomai was the first typhoon to hit the islands in three years since Typhoons Keith and Paka devastated several areas during the latter part of 1997.
