Heavy downpour forces museum’s closure
The heavy downpour Wednesday afternoon flooded the NMI Museum of History and Culture, forcing the management to temporarily close the Garapan museum until Tuesday, Oct. 21.
The floodwaters damaged some of the valuable items in the museum but there is no estimate yet on how much the damage will cost and how long it would take them to restore the place.
Museum executive director Robert H. Hunter said it might even take longer than five days because of the big impact of the floodwaters.
“We might be re-opening on Monday but as of now, we will do some fixing and maybe officially start accepting visitors by Tuesday,” he said.
Hunter was seen mopping the floors from outside and around the artifacts display areas yesterday afternoon.
“The flooding brought several inches of water and mud into the exhibit area and administrative offices, Hunter said.
He said they would be working until Tuesday to remove the water and mud, and re-hang the exhibits over the next several days.
He said they would be rescheduling all student visits, and presentation activities during this period.
Hunter recalled that there were four visitors who were watching historical videos when water started flooding the museum’s floor.
“They were stuck here for about two hours,” he said.
He said about 10 inches of water flooded the floors.
Students from Northern Marianas Colleges were about to enter the premises when they were informed that their trip had been cancelled.
“The students were here as part of their class assignment,” Hunter said.
He said it was unfortunate that the students had to be sent away because of the flooding.
An average of 10 people visit the museum on a daily basis but Hunter said it depends on the occasion.
Sometimes a group of hundreds of tourists from Japan, Korea and even China come by the busload.
