CNMI govt sets up disaster recovery center in Susupe

The CNMI government has designated the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe as a disaster recovery center.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will be stationed at the center, as well as other federal agencies involved in the government’s assistance efforts in the wake of Typhoon Soudelor that hit Saipan late Sunday.

CNMI Office of Management and Budget chief Vicky Villagomez said the center is now being “retrofitted” for the purpose of becoming a DRC.

Villagomez was involved in the initial assessment of damage for Saipan.

The DRC was set up immediately after President Barack Obama approved a state of disaster for the Commonwealth.

Those seeking assistance—as well as supplemental information following the typhoon—can go to the center.

However, those eligible for public assistance are encouraged to register first before proceeding to the DRC, according to John Hamill, director of external affairs for FEMA Region IX.

“Everybody who thinks they have been affected should register,” Hamill said.

Non-American citizens can also register but that “does not mean that everybody that is not a citizen is eligible,” Hamill said, adding that it will be on a “case to case” basis.

Registering will be the first step to avail of the assistance. After registering, FEMA will then set up a visit to assess the damage.

Press secretary Ivan Blanco said that FEMA and the government will start working on the “most affected” areas.

However, determination of the most affected areas will mostly depend on the registrations, which will tell how many homes have been devastated and how many families have been affected.

“Then FEMA will target those areas. After initial assessments are done, then these areas will be targeted,” Blanco said.

The public is also advised not to wait for FEMA and just go right ahead in documenting and taking pictures of their damage and then registering.

When asked on the usual time frame before an individual can get assistance, Hamill said this will depend on a number of factors.

One factor is the level of damage and the number of inspectors deployed on the ground, he said.

“It is difficult to tell, but Saipan is small, compact island. We hope it won’t take that long,” Hamill said.

FEMA reiterated the need for the public to register. According to FEMA, the registration period if up to 60 days, but can be extended if needed.

FEMA is recommending registration via online at www.disasterassistance.gov or via smartphone at m.fema.gov.

The hotlines include FEMA toll-free +1 800-621-FEMA (3362) and +1 800-462-7585 (TTY). All numbers are open 24/7 starting today.