Tinian facing fuel shortage in 4 days

The island of Tinian sustained massive damage from the raw force of Supertyphoon Chaba, displacing some 150 people and plunging the island into a total power blackout. With the port closed, fuel on the island is expected to last four days only.

According to Joey C. Charfauros of the Tinian Mayor’s Office, the number of displaced individuals continues to climb as assessment teams make their rounds. Several houses were destroyed, some had their roofs blown away, and some homes sustained structural damage.

Some families have resorted to either moving in with friends and relatives in already crowded conditions or have sought refuge in a corner of their damaged homes, hoping for some form of help, said Charfaurus.

According to Commonwealth Utilities Corp. director Gregorio Castro, 33 power poles were blown down, but with all the manpower at his disposal and crews working round-the-clock, he expects to have full restoration of power and water on the island by this Saturday.

Department of Public Works director Ernie Hofschneider reports that, although roads have been washed out, blocked by debris, or flooded, the quick action and teamwork and equipment cleared all roads on the island. The recent downpour has left a couple of areas flooded, though.

Tinian Elementary School principal Julian Hofschneider reported that 49 families sought refuge during the storm. Of that number, 19 families remain. Classes for elementary students will start on Thursday.

Tinian High School principal Florine Hofschneider reported that the high school will be open by Wednesday. It was not immediately learned if the school sustained any damage.

According to Commonwealth Ports Authority manager Ignacio Perez, the U.S. Coast Guard has closed the seaport due to no buoys being present at the channel entrance to the port. With the closure of the seaport, the island will not be able to operate the local ferry service to Saipan, nor be able to receive any shipment of goods by ship.

This also means no replenishment of the necessary fuel to keep the island’s generators and gas stations running. It is estimated that without the assistance of the Coast Guard to get the port operational, Tinian faces a fuel shortage in the next four days. An appeal for help is being made to the U.S. Coast Guard regarding this situation.