ARC sets up temp shelters on Rota

The American Red Cross-NMI Chapter continues its humanitarian efforts on the island of Rota where most devastation occurred in the CNMI caused by Typhoon Mangkhut.

As of press time, personnel from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, and the Department of Fire & Emergency Medical Services erected a total of 13 FEMA-issued tents for displaced families.

Red Cross expected to put up six more tents to accommodate all the families who sustained major damage from Typhoon Mangkhut.

Shelters are expected to close by 7pm this evening.

Randy Neeman, ARC disaster lead who has been spearheading Rota preliminary damage assessments, said, “We want to assure the CNMI community that Red Cross is currently assisting in distributing needed supplies to impacted families. We want to thank Gov. [Ralph DLG] Torres and the people of Saipan for their generous donations as well. It really is a collaborative effort, and we are thankful for this special partnership we’re experiencing during this response. The CNMI government’s generosity is something rarely seen in different parts of the world, and we can’t express enough how impressed we are with their willingness to cooperate and assist. This is truly something special.”

The American Red Cross is helping shelterees get to their “new normal” by building temporary housing tents supplied by FEMA. Additionally, case workers are visiting destroyed and major classifications for direct client assistance. Residents become eligible for direct client assistance when their household has experienced structural damage. Structural damages are classified as such when a home’s framework has been compromised due to severe impairment of a home’s skeletal support structure. To provide further clarification, if tin has been separated from a home’s skeletal structure but its wooden frame is still intact, residents will not qualify for direct client assistance. However, if the wooden structure of a home has become impaired and requires reinforcement or replacement to its wooden frame, residents will qualify for financial aid under this program.

“The work the American Red Cross is producing to decrease the number of displaced shelterees is commendable. What we’re doing on Rota is a whole team effort, and the partnership we’ve developed throughout this response showcases further the true power of what can be accomplished when we choose to work together. I want to thank the Red Cross for assisting our families in this time of need. I also want to thank HSEM and DFEMS for providing us with the manpower to complete the tent home installations. I’m truly impressed with this team,” said Torres.

Computer equipment

Torres surprised the Rota Health Center yesterday with brand new computer equipment.

Rota Health Center resident director Vanessa Quitugua said in a room full of RHC staff and personnel yesterday, “Thank you to our governor for responding to our AOC’s technological needs by providing us with the 10 computers to assist us as we serve our community during this recovery period. From the bottom of our hearts, on behalf of [the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.], CEO [Esther] Muña and the RHC staff, we thank you.”

After tagging of equipment through Saipan’s Procurement Office, Torres turned over the 10 all-in-one desktop computers and a printer to Rota’s only hospital.

A scanner is currently en route for delivery to the Rota facility as well.

Prior to the equipment purchase, the hospital’s Agency Operations Center was equipped with only four units. With the supply of the new computers, Torres hopes to increase the island’s only health facility’s capabilities.

“I want to thank you all for your hard work. I recognize the work you do for the people of Rota and want to show my appreciation by providing you all with basic necessities. Thank you all for the service you provide for our people.” (HSEM)