SAIPAN – Saipan water customers on 24-hour service have climbed to approximately 84 percent, while the Tinian boil water notice has officially been cancelled, according to the CNMI Joint Information Center’s Wednesday Sinlaku recovery update.
On Saipan, 7,373 of 8,758 water customers are now receiving 24-hour service, with the remaining 16 percent on scheduled service. The boil water notice on Saipan remains in effect. The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation reported water production at 9.7 million gallons per day out of 11.5 million, or 84 percent of pre-storm capacity. Seventy-three percent of wells and facilities are online, with 25 on the CUC power grid, 31 on CUC generators and 43 on FEMA generators.
On Tinian, water service is now 99 percent online for the island’s 861 customers. The boil notice was officially cancelled May 6.
On the power side, Saipan generation capacity has been restored to 31 megawatts, narrowly exceeding the pre-storm peak demand of approximately 30 megawatts. CUC said full restoration has not yet been achieved because pole, transmission and lateral line repairs still must be completed across the villages before generation reaches every customer. Feeder energization across Saipan now ranges from 5 percent on Feeder 7 to 90 percent on Kiya 3. CUC also reported that 107 of 631 downed poles have been replaced on Saipan, with 552 transformers and 705 crossarms still needing replacement.
All feeders on Tinian remain offline, leaving 1,059 customers without power as CUC and Guam Power Authority crews continue assessment. The island’s confirmed counts stand at 111 downed poles and 55 downed transformers.
Across both islands, the Sustainment of Temporary Resilience and Operational Needs on Ground mission, known as STRONG, has installed 343 emergency tents, with 225 on Saipan and 118 on Tinian. Fourteen temporary roofs have been completed on Saipan.
The current shelter population stands at 214 across eight sites, a decrease of 26 from the previous report. One family pet remains sheltered.
The Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority has logged 819 emergency transports since its Sinlaku activation began on April 10, with 521 medical trips, 198 shelter moves, 52 airport runs, 30 other transports and 18 military moves.
Saipan International Airport remains limited to daylight operations due to damaged navigational aids. United Airlines’ direct flight from Narita to Saipan remains suspended through July 10. The Port of Saipan is open without restrictions, and dock-side power has been restored.
The Joint Information Center said it has transitioned to a 48-hour update cycle, with the next full situation report due Friday. Future updates will focus on CUC restoration efforts for Saipan and Tinian, shelter counts, the STRONG tent and roofing mission, health services and other key government updates.