Flooding temporarily closes NMTech

The Northern Marianas Technical Institute has been forced to halt classes and close its campus in Lowe Base from Oct. 28 to Nov. 1 due to flooding brought about by Tropical Depression Kong-rey 23W last weekend.

NMTech chief executive officer Jodina Attao released a memo last Friday announcing NMTech’s closure to ensure the safety of its students, faculty, and staff and for them to assess and address the damage caused by the flooding.

The photos sent to Saipan Tribune by Attao yesterday showed that they were cleaning the flooded rooms and the broken ceiling of one of NMTech’s rooms.

When asked if any school equipment was damaged by the rising waters, Attao said, “Nothing at the moment. Most of our assets are on wheels. We just got all the water out today (Sunday), so tomorrow (today) we are conducting a full assessment.”

The memo also stated that the closure would have a possibility of being extended.

“Please be advised that the closure period may be extended, pending further assessments. We are working diligently with our facilities team and relevant authorities to determine the full extent of the damage and establish a timeline for reopening.”

In addition, all classes and on-campus activities will be suspended during that period. The students are encouraged to monitor their emails and NMTech’s official social media channels for updates regarding scheduling changes and the reopening of the campus.

A follow-up memo was then released on Oct. 26 in response to the recent flooding on campus wherein Attao said NMTech is activating their emergency response plan.

Attao instructed the staff to report to work yesterday at exactly 8am as their presence is very crucial in assessing the situation and implementing recovery efforts.

The meeting with the stakeholders was canceled so they can focus on addressing the impacts of the flooding.

Attao ended her memo by saying that although they completed a thorough clean-up last Saturday following the initial flooding, the recent weather has caused further issues that require immediate attention.

“It is critical to address any standing water promptly, as prolonged exposure can lead to significant water damage to the building’s structure and poses risks to safety. I thank you all for your cooperation and understanding as we work through this challenging time. Your commitment to our mission and to each other is greatly appreciated.”