Disaster Recovery Centers To Open On Saipan, Tinian And Rota 

Release Date: August 31, 2004
Release Number: 1541-004

» More Information on Northern Mariana Islands Flooding, High Surf, Storm Surge, and High Winds as a result of Super Typhoon Chaba

SAIPAN, Northern Mariana Islands -- Disaster Recovery Centers (DRCs) will open on Saipan on Friday September 3 and on Tinian and Rota on Sunday September 5. Commonwealth and Federal officials will be available to provide information and registration assistance to residents who may need help in recovering from their damages from Super Typhoon Chaba beginning August 21 and ending August 26.

The centers are provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and will be located at:

"We're pleased the centers will be able to assist individuals who don't speak English or are without telephone access," said the Governor's Authorized Representative (GAR) Vicky Villagomez. "We want to clarify that these centers are in addition to, but separate from, the Saipan Typhoon Relief Center at the Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, where tents, tent kits, blankets, cots and tarps will be provided to meet immediate needs."

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) low-interest loans are the primary source of disaster assistance for homeowners, renters, businesses, and non-profit organizations. Individuals registering for disaster assistance with FEMA, who are referred to SBA, must pick up their SBA application at one of the Disaster Recovery Centers (DRC) that will open on Saipan, Tinian and Rota within the next week.

On March 1, 2003, FEMA became part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. FEMA's continuing mission within the new department is to lead the effort to prepare the nation for all hazards and effectively manage federal response and recovery efforts following any national incident. FEMA also initiates proactive mitigation activities, trains first responders, and manages the National Flood Insurance Program and the U.S. Fire Administration.

Last Modified: Saturday, 18-Sep-2004 15:28:51