Bush asked for expedited disaster declaration

Gov. Juan N. Babauta yesterday asked President Bush to expeditiously declare the Commonwealth as a major disaster area, stressing the urgent need for federal assistance to effectively respond to the destruction caused by Supertyphoon Chaba.

Citing drained local resources, Babauta said the extent of damage caused by Chaba was so severe that it is beyond the CNMI’s response capability. Initial estimates placed the damage at over $18 million.

Babauta said the cost of damage to Saipan could reach over $10 million; Rota, $5 million; and Tinian, $3 million.

“It is obvious [that] Typhoon Chaba has caused significant damage to our island’s infrastructure, power, water, and wastewater systems, and that this damage is beyond the capability to respond without federal assistance,” Babauta said.

“All of the emergency measures taken to ensure public safety have exhausted our government’s resources in transporting evacuees, operating temporary shelters, and providing public safety and medical services,” the governor reported to the President.

Babauta said the CNMI government has limited resources to address immediate needs for generators, food, water, shelters, communications equipment, debris removal equipment, and sanitation services.

Babauta forwarded his request for an “expedited major disaster” declaration to the White House even before the supertyphoon left the Northern Marianas yesterday afternoon.

The governor also asked the Federal Emergency Management Agency for a Joint Federal/State Rapid Needs Assessment for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.

“The purpose of the RNA is to collect and provide information to determine requirements for critical resources needed to support emergency response activities,” Babauta said. “The Northern Islands of Alamagan, Agrihan and Pagan cannot be assessed at this time due to lack of communication.”

Babauta designated Emergency Management Office director Rudolfo Pua and Governor’s Authorized Representative Virginia Villagomez to work with FEMA on the damage assessment.

In his request for disaster declaration, the governor asked the President to authorize federal individual assistance for affected CNMI residents. The governor particularly mentioned the Individuals and Households Program, Disaster Unemployment Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Public Assistance, Hazard Mitigation, and Small Business Administration disaster loans.

Once made available, FEMA’s individual housing assistance provides financial help for displaced residents to rent a place to live or a temporary housing unit when other housing resources are not available. Homeowners may also be eligible for assistance to repair damage not covered by insurance.

Other needs assistance may help address residents’ disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs, including medical and dental expenses, and replacement of clothing, household items, and appliances, among others.

“It has been reported that homes have been destroyed due to the severe winds, numerous roofs have been blown off homes, shelters have maximized occupancies which forced the opening of uncertified shelters, homeless evacuees requested transportation to shelters and could not be accommodated because of unsafe road conditions due to high winds and flooding,” Babauta said.

The governor also reported to the President that the supertyphoon downed power lines, which prompted the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. to shut down power generation until weather conditions improve. He said power restoration might take one to two weeks.

He added that roads were damaged, while fallen trees and other debris necessitate clearing operations.

“The CNMI’s beautification project to enhance major roadways, parks and recreational facilities to promote tourism are completely destroyed,” the governor said.

Babauta assured Bush that the CNMI would indemnify the federal government for claims arising from federal work to rehabilitate the islands.

He also assured that the CNMI would reimburse FEMA with the non-federal share on cost of rehabilitation work, and that it would support all federal agencies on jurisdictional matters.