‘Soudelor tested community’s resiliency’

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres, center, joins members of the various agencies and organizations that helped the community with its recovery efforts after Typhoon Soudelor in yesterday’s proclamation signing declaring Aug. 1 to 6 as Typhoon Soudelor Commemoration Week yesterday at the Governor’s Office conference room. (Jon Perez)

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres said Typhoon Soudelor has tested the resiliency of members of the island community. A year after one of the strongest typhoons that hit the CNMI, he added, Saipan will continue to move forward.

“We would never forget that fateful night when Typhoon Soudelor hit Saipan. Everything that we’ve taken for granted became a necessity for us all,” said Torres in yesterday’s proclamation signing declaring Aug.1 to 6 as Typhoon Soudelor Commemoration Week.

“The resiliency of our people had been tested and we continue to face difficulties but we will continue to move forward.”

Torres added that he applauded the efforts shown by various individuals and groups in helping those who are in need when Soudelor was ravaging the island and after the devastation.

“All the organizations, individuals, government agencies, and other groups have worked together after the typhoon and are still doing so up to now with the recovery efforts. Disaster preparedness must also be our priority.”

The American Red Cross, the Crisis Counseling Program, Department of Corrections, Empty Vessel Ministry Foundation, Bridge Capital, Military Veterans Affairs Office and Department of Defense, the Legislature, Department of Public Safety, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, Public School System, CNMI Homeland Security, Northern Marianas College, Department of Public Lands, Governor’s Office, Department of Public Works, Department of Commerce, United 4 Saipan, Community Outreach Recovery Efforts, and Women’s Affairs are some of the agencies and groups that are under the Commonwealth Advocates for Recovery Efforts.

“We are exerting more effort in terms of recovery and help those families who still need assistance. A lot of folks needed help back then. There are still some who are not visible but they are still there,” said Torres.

Torres added that the CNMI Chapter of the American Red Cross was the lead agency that has been disbursing all donations given by various groups, here and overseas. “They had done a tremendous job. We must also recognize CARE and the assistance provided by [the Federal Emergency Management Agency] to our community.”

CARE director Jenny Hegland said CARE was the result of the collaboration of a lot of individuals. “Agencies, groups, and organizations come together to work for the recovery efforts. We look forward to continue to meet the needs of the people. What we are looking forward to now is how far we’ve come since the typhoon.”

A sunrise vigil to be attended by CARE member organizations and faith-based groups was held at 5am this morning with watching the sunrise a symbol of having another day and survival after Soudelor. A film showing will also begin tonight from 6pm to 8pm at the Grandvrio Hotel. CARE lined up other events for the whole week.