Super Typhoon Sinlaku battered the the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands in April.
Photo: Mark Rabago
Nearly two months after Super Typhoon Sinlaku hit the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), disaster food assistance has been approved for affected households.
CNMI’s United States Congress delegate Kimberlyn King-Hinds said the US Department of Agriculture had approved additional nutrition assistance under its disaster authorities.
The approval includes enhanced benefits for existing Nutrition Assistance Programme recipients, who will receive the maximum benefit amount plus an additional 20 percent for six months.
A separate Disaster Nutrition Assistance Programme (D-NAP) has also been approved for two months for households affected by the typhoon, including some residents who may not normally qualify for NAP.
King-Hinds said the federal approval could bring nearly US$40 million in food assistance to CNMI households.
“I know a lot of folks have been asking about that and that has been approved for two months,” she said.
But she cautioned residents that benefits will not be distributed immediately, as local officials still need to finalise application procedures, eligibility rules and distribution schedules.
“Approval does not mean you are going to get this tomorrow,” she said.
Department of Community and Cultural Affairs secretary Francisco Rabauliman said implementation notices will be issued soon, with two on-site technical support staff from the Food and Nutrition Service expected before distribution begins.
Rabauliman called the approval the result of “a huge collaborative effort” among local and federal agencies.
Sinlaku caused widespread damage to homes, businesses, public infrastructure and agriculture across the CNMI.
No funding cap on CNMI Sinlaku recovery – FEMA
Meanwhile, the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said there is no funding limit on recovery assistance for CNMI.
Federal coordinating officer Andrew Grant said FEMA’s Disaster Relief Fund remains strong and assistance is being driven by need, not by a preset budget.
FEMA has so far approved more than $20m in individual assistance for CNMI residents, installed about 400 temporary roofs, and provided more than 1,000 temporary tents.
Grant said FEMA expects to remain in the Commonwealth for the long term as public assistance, debris removal and infrastructure repair work continue.
He said major priorities include temporary power generation on Tinian and repairs to storm-damaged ports on Tinian and Rota.
CNMI state coordinating officer Clement Bermudes said the biggest challenge remains restoring and strengthening critical infrastructure, after Sinlaku caused widespread power outages and disrupted water, ice, fuel and other essential services.
The aid comes as FEMA has also approved an initial US$8 million disaster relief package for the Federated States of Micronesia following Sinlaku’s impact there.
Grant said FEMA’s role is not to make disaster survivors financially whole, but to help them recover and get back on their feet.
