Rota recovery well under way after Typhoon Mawar; CNMI prepares to aid Guam
The CNMI Governor and Lt. Governor visit Rota as more residents are put back on the grid.
"We were able to talk to the mayor and assure the people, the leadership of Rota, that we are here to help them," Gov. Arnold Palacios said.
The administration assessed the aftermath of Typhoon Mawar in Rota, visiting utility services offices, Rota Health Center, and the landfill.
Palacios added, "The biggest issue is the critical infrastructure like power and water. We were able to deploy some people down there. I am very proud of our CUC, especially the Rota line crew and water crew. We sent some folks from Saipan and some critical equipment and supplies down there."
Another major issue he says is a Mobil Oil Micronesia damaged fuel line that the Rota Mayor says they are working to restore at the East Harbor.
"They only have 25 days of fuel. And that has to be rectified. That is the top priority because that is what provides the diesel for the power plant," Palacios said.
Over the weekend, 79% of residents had their power restored while crews work to repair damaged power poles to get everyone back on the grid. A boil water notice remains in effect for Rota while CUC provides a water filling station at the Ginalagan Tank limited to 50 gallons per customer from 7 am to 7 p.m.
And the CNMI governor says help will be coordinated for Guam, "We are going to come together and we are going to see what we can do to source out assistance for our brothers and sisters in Guam once we are assured Rota is stabilized and things are moving."