SAIPAN — President Donald J. Trump approved an emergency declaration for the CNMI on April 12, 2026, authorizing FEMA to coordinate disaster relief efforts and provide direct federal assistance following Typhoon Sinlaku. That declaration is separate from the major disaster declaration that is currently awaiting the president’s signature.
The April 12 emergency declaration authorized FEMA to identify, mobilize and provide equipment and resources to address the emergency. Emergency protective measures under the Public Assistance program were funded at 75 percent federal cost share. Andrew F. Grant was named Federal Coordinating Officer for response operations. The declaration covers Saipan, Tinian, Rota and the Northern Islands.
The emergency declaration is a first-tier federal response tool. It allows FEMA to move quickly and provide direct assistance but does not unlock the full range of federal programs available under a major disaster declaration, most notably FEMA individual assistance, which provides direct aid to households.
The major disaster declaration, which Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced Tuesday has been signed by DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and sent to the president, would unlock individual assistance and a broader range of recovery programs. King-Hinds has urged the president to approve a 100 percent federal cost share for all eligible work given the CNMI’s remote location and limited resources.
