SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang has extended the Commonwealth’s State of Significant Emergency for an additional 30 days, signing Executive Order 2026-017 on Sunday to keep recovery resources mobilized for the continuing response to Super Typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi.
The order, issued in consultation with CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management, states the declaration is necessary for the government to identify and mobilize available resources to continue repair and restoration work following the devastation inflicted by both storms. It remains in effect for 30 days or until rescinded or further renewed.
The order recounts the Commonwealth’s year of storms: first responders and agencies, with federal, private-sector and nonprofit partners, “have made great strides in repairing critical infrastructure and resuming economic activity” on Saipan and Tinian in the four months since Sinlaku’s April 13-15 landfall. Since Bavi struck the entire Commonwealth and in particular devastated Rota with its July 6 landfall, the order states, many residents remain displaced amid widespread damage to homes and property, with rebuilding of power and water infrastructure still proceeding.
The declaration is issued under the NMI Constitution’s emergency powers and 1 CMC § 20144.
