Presented by IT&E
The following is a summary of all stories covered by NMI News Service on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 as part of The Recovery Rundown, the daily evening broadcast presented by IT&E during Typhoon Sinlaku recovery coverage.
Major Disaster Declaration Pending Presidential Signature
DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has signed off on the major disaster declaration for the CNMI. The package is on President Trump’s desk awaiting final approval. Once signed, FEMA individual assistance unlocks for affected residents. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced the development from Washington and said she plans to return to the CNMI within days of the signing.
CUC Power and Water Update
Primary feeder line damage assessments on Saipan are 100 percent complete. Crews are working secondary lines with 604 poles down. Feeder 1 and 3 to the hospital are energized. Kiya 3 is working toward IT&E on Middle Road. 15,624 customers remain without power. Water production is at 40 percent capacity and only about 21 percent of Saipan customers have running water. Tinian remains fully dark with all feeders offline and 245 poles down. Rota’s Feeder 1 is fully restored on primary lines, Feeder 2 is at 90 percent, and water is 100 percent online. A boil water notice remains in effect on all three islands.
Fuel Being Stolen from Emergency Generators
The Joint Information Center issued a public warning after reports of fuel being stolen from generators powering Saipan’s water systems. When fuel is taken, generators shut down and water service is disrupted for the entire community. The public is urged not to touch, damage or take fuel from emergency equipment. Theft is a criminal offense under 6 CMC Section 1601, punishable by imprisonment. Report suspicious activity to DPS at 911.
FEMA Bottled Water Distribution at Airport Field Thursday
FEMA bottled water distribution begins at the Airport Field on Thursday, April 23, from 9:00 a.m. to noon, or until supplies last. One case per family. Enter behind the American Red Cross. Exit near the Flame Tree Road and Sineso Road intersection. Additional distribution locations will be announced.
House Emergency Session Thursday
House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez has called an emergency session for Thursday, April 23 at 10:00 a.m. at the Vice Speaker Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building in Capitol Hill. On the agenda are three local bills directing poker fee revenues to recovery efforts. House Local Bill 24-56 would appropriate $156,000 to the Tinian Mayor’s office. House Local Bill 24-57 would re-appropriate $80,000 to the Rota Mayor’s office. House Local Bill 24-55 from the Saipan coalition is on its third legislative day.
Governor Retroactively Grants Admin Leave for April 20 and 21
Governor David M. Apatang issued memorandum GOV 2026-248 retroactively authorizing administrative leave for April 20 and 21 for non-essential Executive Branch employees, citing unclear return-to-work messaging following the April 17 all-clear. Combined with GOV 2026-247, non-essential employees are covered from April 20 through April 29. Employees assigned to direct recovery tasks continue reporting.
NMHC Deferring All Home Loan Payments Three Months
The Northern Marianas Housing Corporation is automatically deferring all home loan payments from May 1 through July 31, 2026. No interest accrues during the deferment period. Payments resume August 1 and three months will be added to loan maturity. Borrowers who do not want the deferment must submit a cancellation notice to NMHC. Contact the Mortgage and Credit Division at (670) 234-6866.
Samaritan’s Purse Free Clinic Open at CHCC Parking Lot
Samaritan’s Purse has opened a free outpatient clinic in the CHCC parking lot across from the emergency room. Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. No cost. All patients welcome. Services include blood pressure and blood sugar checks, wound care and emergency care.
MLSC: Tenants Can Leave Uninhabitable Homes
Micronesian Legal Services Corporation is reminding CNMI tenants that they may terminate their lease without penalty if their home was rendered uninhabitable by Typhoon Sinlaku. Tenants must notify their landlord in writing, describe the damage in detail, and document everything with photos and copies of all communications. No future rent is owed if the termination is done properly and the security deposit may be returned. Call MLSC at (670) 234-6243 or visit micronesianlegal.org. This is legal information, not legal advice.
King-Hinds Urges Trump to Approve 100 Percent Federal Cost Share
Congresswoman King-Hinds wrote to President Trump on April 20 urging expedited approval of the major disaster declaration and asking that the federal cost share be set at 100 percent for all eligible emergency and permanent work, citing the CNMI’s remote geography, limited resources and supply chain challenges.
VA Clinic Open Intermittently; Dr. Norma Ada Available for Walk-Ins
The VA Outpatient Clinic in Saipan is now open intermittently. Veterans should call ahead. Veterans may also seek care at Medical Associates of the Pacific, the private practice of VA provider Dr. Norma Ada, open Monday through Friday for walk-ins and appointments. Main VA line: 1-800-214-1306. VA Health Connect 24/7: 1-833-983-0487.
Mobil Six Stations Open on Saipan
Mobil has six stations open on Saipan — Chalan Kiya, Chalan Piao, Garapan, Middle Road, Sadog Tasi and Susupe — open Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., cash and credit card accepted.
King-Hinds to USCIS: Expedite EAD Renewals for CNMI Long-Term Residents
Congresswoman King-Hinds wrote to USCIS Director Joseph B. Edlow on April 20 pressing for expedited Employment Authorization Document renewals for CNMI Long-Term Residents, arguing documentation delays are blocking workers from returning to work during recovery. She asked USCIS to expedite adjudications, implement automatic extensions and issue clear public guidance for workers and employers.
King-Hinds to USPS: Restore Mail Delivery to CNMI
Congresswoman King-Hinds wrote to U.S. Postal Service Postmaster General David Steiner urging restoration of reliable mail and package delivery to the CNMI as soon as conditions allow, noting that families are unable to receive essential shipments.
NMHC Offices Closed; Most Reopen April 27
NMHC offices are closed for damage assessments. Most locations reopen Monday, April 27, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The CDBG-DR Saipan Office remains closed until further notice. For inquiries, email nmhc@nmhcgov.net.
CNMI Judiciary Cancels Law Week Events
The CNMI Judiciary has cancelled the April 24 Joint Proclamation Signing, the Law Week Essay and Poster Awards Presentation, Justices and Judges in the Classroom and the May 8 Bar Admission Ceremony due to Typhoon Sinlaku damage and recovery efforts.
CNMI Youth Congress Summit Cancelled
The 20th CNMI Youth Congress has cancelled its 2026 Summit due to Typhoon Sinlaku. Speaker Sen. Vinnie Juan Sablan and Vice-Speaker Sen. Monique Mendiola said organizers intend to explore rescheduling for the next school year or next Youth Congress term.
Saipan Chamber Scholarship Golf Tournament Cancelled
The Saipan Chamber of Commerce has cancelled its 17th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, originally scheduled for April 25 at Laolao Bay Golf and Resort. Full refunds are being processed for participants. Sponsors will be contacted directly. The annual scholarship program timeline may be adjusted as a result.
NMPASI Adjusts Office Hours
The Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems, Inc. has adjusted in-person office hours to 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Extended phone contact available at (670) 789-6021 from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Las Vegas Relief Event May 3
Island Comfort Restaurant in Las Vegas is hosting a Marianas Typhoon Relief Event on Sunday, May 3, from noon to 5:00 p.m. at 3231 North Decatur Boulevard. Organizers are collecting supplies to ship to Guam, Rota, Tinian and Saipan.
Crystal Ecology Offering Typhoon Relief Discounts
Crystal Ecology is offering 50 percent off 3M window film replacement for existing customers with broken glass, and 20 percent off for all other customers, through June 30, 2026. Call (670) 233-9000 or WhatsApp (670) 287-1100.
