Saipan — Independent congressional candidate Galvin Sablan Deleon Guerrero welcomed the approval of a major disaster declaration for the CNMI on Tuesday, calling it an important first step for Rota’s recovery from Super Typhoon Bavi.
“This declaration is an important first step that will help unlock critical federal resources for the people of Rota as they rebuild their homes, restore their businesses, and recover from one of the most destructive storms in their history,” Deleon Guerrero said in a statement.
Deleon Guerrero said he traveled to Rota a few weeks ago and witnessed the devastation personally. “The stories were heartbreaking. I met families who had lost so much, listened to people worried about their future, and saw a community determined to rebuild despite the tremendous challenges before them,” he said. “Just like the people of Saipan and Tinian after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the people of Rota should not have to face this recovery alone.”
He said federal assistance must move quickly, efficiently and with compassion, and that every family deserves access to the support they need.
“Recovery should not be measured by the signing of a declaration,” he said. “It should be measured by people achieving normalcy as soon as possible, families safely returning to their homes, businesses reopening their doors, and children going back to school. We must all remain committed until that work is done, until that fight is done.”
