Supplies running low on Rota

Typhoon Dolphin is now more than 600 miles northwest of the CNMI but is still causing problems for Rota. Because of high waves and strong winds, which could be associated with the typhoon’s tail end, shipment to the municipality is a challenge.

“My concern at this point is the shipment of goods and commodities,” said Rota Mayor Efraim Atalig.

In this photo posted by Lt. Gov. Ralph Torres on his Facebook account, a cultural hut made of native materials lies sprawled on the ground after being blown over by Typhoon Dolphin’s destructive winds on Friday night.

According to him, large ships and barges bringing supplies to the island are having a problem docking at their port as the weather is still unfavorable and high waves are still present. This has been a problem even when Typhoon Dolphin was just approaching the islands.

He said the last shipment was three months ago. He worries that if the shipment will not come anytime soon, commodities such as rice, butane, and canned goods will be depleted.

“The stores are running low in supply. The merchants have been flying in their items but it’s expensive for the people,” Atalig said.

Lisa Camacho of Lucky Store on Rota confirmed that they are indeed experiencing lack of supplies.

“We don’t have too much anymore. We are out of butane. Some of our canned goods are also depleted,” she said.

Another store, 3 Kings Market in Sinapalo I, also said that aside from basic commodities, they are already running low on canned foods, sodas, juices, and milk.

Recovery and assessment

According to the mayor, damage assessment by the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the American Red Cross is still ongoing.

Aside from damage to homes and infrastructure, they are also taking into consideration the damage sustained by farmers and their crops.

“I hope to have [the report] perhaps in two weeks. This thing takes time,” he said.

As of now, power restoration on the island sits at 90 percent. Atalig hopes power will be 100 percent up and running in the next few days.

They also continue to clean the municipality’s inner roads of debris. All the major roads have already been cleared.

The shelter at Rota’s Aging Office is still open and continues to accept clients.

According to the center’s acting program coordinator Valerie Apatang, nine clients stayed last night. Red Cross teams continue to assess the damage in the clients’ homes.

Lt. Gov. Ralph DLG Torres returned to Saipan last night after seeing for himself the damage brought about by Typhoon Dolphin on Rota.

In a posting on social media, Torres said he and Gov. Eloy S. Inos wish the residents of Rota a speedy recovery as they pick up the pieces after the typhoon and get life back to normal.