Residents flock to FEMA Disaster Recovery Center for assistance

Dana Kelly made the trip to the Dededo Sports Complex on Monday hoping for help from FEMA. She already applied for assistance following Typhoon Mawar's destruction to her NCS home. 

Local and federal officials as well as volunteers are at the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Disaster Recovery Center at the complex ready to help those impacted by Typhoon Mawar.

“We had too much that already happened," Kelly said. "Look, you know, we don't have power. No water in the house. No internet…everything is wet and my extension blown away. I take picture.” said Kelly. “At the house, all we did was take pictures but nobody calls us and that’s why we come here.”

Since its soft opening Sunday, they have already assisted over 200 people according to FEMA specialist, Tiffany Thomas.

"We're still getting some of the survivors to come into the center and if they have any questions about FEMA programs as well as registration, we have the staff to answer those questions and help with the application process,” she said.

According to a release from the Joint Region Marianas Monday, FEMA inspections have already started for those who applied for disaster assistance. Their inspections will determine whether a home is safe, sanitary and livable as well as consider damages to personal property.

Thomas said that applicants must be US citizens or nationals to qualify for FEMA assistance.

She also added for those who are having issues with transportation or had important documents damaged from the typhoon to coordinate with their village mayors.

The Guam Regional Transit Authority just announced it will be providing temporary transportation for southern residents to the GCC site. 

The other FEMA Disaster Recovery Center is at the Guam Community College and both locations are open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Guam homeowners and renters who were affected by Typhoon Mawar can also register with FEMA by calling 1-800-621-3362, visiting disaster assistance.gov or downloading the application on the FEMA app.

GRTA FEMA Relief Center Transportation Schedule: 

GRTA Southern Shuttle to the GGC Relief Center will service riders from Buenas market in Yona to
the Relief Center at GCC from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. Last pick up from the Relief Center at GCC to Buenas Market in Yona is at 7 p.m.

GRTA’s Southern Shuttle service route schedule will remain the same, and will continue to provide
service in Hågat, Sånta Rita-Sumai, Humåtak, Malesso’, Inalåhan, and Talo’fo’fo' Mayor’s office. For
more information, contact GRTA at 671-647-7433 or visit grta.guam.gov.

 Watch the full interview with FEMA and Guam residents here: