The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has declared a public health emergency for the Marianas – the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Guam – following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Bavi.
The declaration will allow federal authorities to expand healthcare support and emergency response efforts.
The declaration, announced by HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr, follows emergency declarations issued by US President Donald Trump for both territories.
“The people of Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands are not facing this storm alone,” Kennedy said.
“Today, I declared a Public Health Emergency so HHS can move faster, expand critical healthcare flexibilities, and deliver the support communities need.”
The declaration allows the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to provide emergency waivers and other flexibilities so healthcare providers can continue serving patients during the recovery.
The Department of Health and Human Services said existing emergency measures put in place after Super Typhoon Sinlaku will remain in effect while additional authorities are implemented under the new declaration.
Ahead of Bavi’s arrival, the department said it had pre-positioned federal medical teams in Guam and Saipan, including a Health and Medical Situational Assessment Team, two National Disaster Medical System Health and Medical Task Forces, and an Incident Management Team.
John Knox, the department’s principal deputy assistant secretary for preparedness and response, said the advance deployment would help speed recovery efforts.
“Preparedness means getting the right people and resources into position before they’re needed,” Knox said.
The department said additional medical teams remain on standby and behavioural health personnel are also ready to deploy if required.
Federal officials are also using the HHS emPOWER programme, which identifies Medicare beneficiaries dependent on electricity-powered medical equipment such as oxygen concentrators, ventilators and dialysis services, to help prioritise assistance during prolonged power outages.
The department said it continues to coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the governments of Guam and the CNMI, and other federal agencies as recovery operations continue.
