The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) says it has completed more than half of the requested temporary generator installations on Rota, as crews work to restore essential services following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Bavi last month.
The USACE Temporary Power Team has been installing generators at critical facilities, including shelters, the Rota Health Center, telecommunications sites, water wells, police and fire stations, the judicial center, hotels housing emergency responders, a bottled water plant, an ice production facility and a diesel service station.
USACE said additional personnel and equipment had been pre-positioned before Bavi struck because crews were already deployed in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) following Super Typhoon Sinlaku in April.
While Sinlaku caused extensive damage on Saipan and Tinian, Bavi knocked out Rota’s power system.
The agency said a generator was also installed at Rota’s power plant to power heaters drying out storm-soaked engines, helping speed the restoration of the island’s electricity network.
USACE Recovery Field Office commander Lt Col Lamar Cantelou said restoring electricity remained the top priority.
“Restoring power is the critical first step in helping the people of Rota rebuild their lives after these devastating storms.”
Cantelou added that each generator installed at key facilities moves the island closer to recovery.
Mission leader Major Blake Ritchey said restoring electricity to healthcare facilities was among the team’s highest priorities.
“Bringing power to hospitals and health centers is always a priority on a temp power mission because it reduces the potential for loss of life and is a symbol to the communities devastated by the storm that they are not alone.”
USACE said its crews have been averaging about two generator installations each day while working extended shifts.
Nearly 2000 people live on Rota, where officials said many residents were left without electricity and water after Bavi struck on 6 July, causing widespread damage to homes, vegetation and infrastructure.
President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for the CNMI on 3 July, allowing the Federal Emergency Management Agency and USACE to coordinate the federal disaster response.
USACE said it will continue installing temporary generators while permanent repairs to Rota’s power system are completed.
