Providing temporary solace at typhoon shelters

The usual roar of spectators and the yells of athletes at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium have been replaced by the subdued chatter of adults and the excited babble of children, as evacuees temporarily took over the place while awaiting government assistance in rebuilding their destroyed homes.

The same goes for the Marianas High School, where some classrooms have been hastily converted to homes to house the evacuees. In total, both venues are now playing host to over 400 evacuees rendered homeless by Supertyphoon Chaba.

According to Joe Mettao, shelter manager at the Ada gym, the gym opened on Wednesday, taking in 189 evacuees from the villages of Oleai, Chalan Kanoa, Koblerville, and one from Kagman.

“This is all we can have, but if worse comes to worst, then we will bring in more people,” Mettao added.

The American Red Cross issued brooms, mops, and cots for those with disabilities. Reyes Catering, on the other hand, provided three meals a day for the evacuees.

“We cancelled all games until everyone moves out. We just concentrate on the people now. We will not deal with any sports even if it’s for one month or two months, until it is safe for the people to go home,” said Mettao.

Despite the confined area at the gym, the children were able to run around and enjoy their time together. “If it is not raining we will have games provided for the kids outside,” said Mettao.

Becky Ruben, 11-year old resident from Chalan Kanoa, had recently relocated from William S. Reyes Elementary School with her family. “My house is not destroyed, but it’s flooded and the water is mixed with the sewer[age]. It is still not safe,” she said. “It’s fun here, we get to play around. The doctor gave us gifts, and some from American Red Cross.”

Thirteen-year-old Marfiana Moses said some of the donations are from the Christian church. “I got candy, cookies and chips,” he added.

“I got a coloring book. They are giving us things to play with,” said 8-year old Dermang Ngiralmuut.

At the Marianas High School, administrative specialist Rita C. Mallari said the school is accommodating some 350 evacuees in the 30 rooms available.

According to Mallari, the Emergency Management Office provided cleaning services for the restrooms and showers in the gym. “EMO hired people to clean the restrooms and the showers at least twice a day,” she said.

“The people are also getting three meals a day. We serve at the front of the office. Today they had tuna sandwich for lunch with pineapples,” she said.

The Marianas High School and the Ada gym are the only shelters with showers available. Both will be accommodating the evacuees until further notice from the EMO. (Cassie DLG Fejeran)