The U.S. President Donald Trump has approved a major disaster declaration for Guam following Super Typhoon Bavi, opening the door for federal assistance to affected households and repairs to damaged public infrastructure.
The declaration, approved on 7 October, covers damage caused by the powerful storm between 4 and 12 July 2026.
Unlike the emergency declaration approved in July, the latest declaration makes individual assistance available to eligible residents and households affected by the typhoon.
It also provides public assistance to help fund emergency work and the repair or replacement of disaster-damaged government facilities.
Guam Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, who requested the declaration on 11 August, welcomed the decision as an important step in the island’s recovery.
“For the first time since the storm, federal assistance will be available to eligible individuals and households, along with support to repair our public infrastructure and facilities,” she said.
“I thank the President and our FEMA partners for standing with the people of Guam. We will keep advocating for every available resource until our recovery is complete.”
Lieutenant Governor Joshua Tenorio said families, village mayors, and frontline government agencies had carried much of the recovery effort since July.
He said the declaration would bring federal assistance directly to eligible households and essential public facilities.
The Guam government said details on how residents can apply for assistance would be announced separately.
Meanwhile, federal funding for projects aimed at reducing the long-term risks posed by natural disasters remains under review.
Teresa Serata has been appointed federal coordinating officer to oversee recovery operations under the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Super Typhoon Bavi also caused widespread destruction in the neighbouring Northern Mariana Islands, particularly Rota, where the storm damaged homes and infrastructure in July.
