Gov. David Apatang has issued Executive Order No. 2026-021 to renew and extend a state of significant emergency for an additional 30 days across the Northern Mariana Islands as the commonwealth continues repairing critical infrastructure and rebuilding following two major typhoons this year.
The emergency declaration, signed Sept. 29 in consultation with NMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, allows the Commonwealth government to identify and mobilize available resources necessary to carry out restoration work across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
Although substantial progress has been made in resuming economic activity and repairing infrastructure on Saipan and Tinian in the months following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which made landfall from April 13 to April 15, significant work to restore power utilities and rebuild critical structures remains ongoing.
Meanwhile, recovery efforts on Rota remain critical after Super Typhoon Bavi devastated the island on July 6. Many residents on Rota remain displaced due to widespread damage to homes and property, while work to rebuild municipal power, water, and public infrastructure is still proceeding. The declaration will remain in effect for 30 days unless it is rescinded or further renewed by Apatang. mbj
