Guam sending recovery assistance to CNMI

Hagåtña – The Calvo Tenorio administration has been working with federal and military partners, as well as with local agencies to extend assistance to the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands to assist with their recovery efforts following Super Typhoon Yutu's devastation.

“I have directed Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense to lead local government efforts as we look to helping our brothers and sisters to the north,” Governor Eddie Calvo stated. “We know that many of the people who are working also have homes that may have been damaged or worse as the eye of the storm passed over the islands of Tinian and Saipan. We want to help fill some of that capacity – whether it is in clearing debris or restoring utilities and government functions – so that they can get back on their feet sooner.”

Approximately 140 Guam Guardsmen are expected to report on Monday and begin duty on Saipan as early as Tuesday or Wednesday of this week, for approximately 60 days.

The Army Guard’s 1224th Engineer Support Company is to assist with recovery efforts to include support of U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and FEMA as the lead federal agency in support of debris clearing missions in CNMI.

Governor Eddie Calvo, recognizing the need in Tinian and Saipan, has given final approval for the Guam National Guard’s support mission.

Lt. Governor Ray Tenorio thanks the Guam National Guard personnel, as well as Government of Guam employees from the Guam International Airport, Guam Power Authority, and Guam Homeland Security/Office of Civil Defense for their work.

“I want to thank all of the Guamanians who will be going to the CNMI to help, as well as all of those who remain here on Guam who are assisting with logistics and picking up additional duties to cover for your teammates who will be off island as part of recovery efforts,” Lt Governor Ray Tenorio stated.

AIRPORT
The Guam International Airport Authority this morning sent two senior airfield electricians to Saipan. The GIAA team will help the Saipan airport resume full operational capabilities.

POWER RESTORATION
Also arriving in Saipan today is a forward team from the Guam Power Authority. They anticipate an immediate briefing with CNMI officials before beginning their assessments for both Saipan and Tinian. GPA also is communicating with CNMI and FEMA officials to coordinate the next wave of personnel and equipment.

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