The biggest story of the day: the CNMI’s major disaster declaration request is on the president’s desk. Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced from Washington this afternoon that DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin has signed off on Governor David M. Apatang’s request. The package is now with President Trump and a response is expected within 24 hours. The governor’s ask includes individual assistance, public assistance with direct federal assistance, hazard mitigation, and a 100 percent federal cost share for debris removal and emergency protective measures across Saipan, Tinian, Rota and the Northern Islands. Kim says she hopes to come home within the next couple of days once it’s signed.
But here’s the important context: FEMA individual assistance is not yet available. The JIC put out Update 007 this afternoon confirming that FEMA is on the ground supporting damage assessments, debris clearing and public safety under the existing emergency declaration — but direct grants to residents require the major disaster declaration that hasn’t been signed yet. In the meantime, residents in need are directed to local volunteer agencies and community organizations.
On the government side, Governor Apatang authorized administrative leave for non-essential Executive Branch employees from this Wednesday, April 22 through Wednesday, April 29, giving workers time to focus on their own homes and families. Employees assigned to direct disaster recovery tasks continue reporting. Earlier in the day, the governor had also directed all Executive Branch employees through Special Assistant Paul Reyes to report to their workplaces, document their presence, assess storm damage, and begin repairs — so make sure your department has clarity on which category applies to you.
For veterans, the VA outpatient clinic in Saipan is temporarily closed. Staff are contacting patients directly to reschedule appointments and arrange alternatives including home visits. Veterans who need emergency medication refills can get up to a 30-day supply at Brabu Pharmacy at 670-233-2668 or PHI Pharmacy in Dandan at 670-235-6170. You’ll need an empty VA prescription bottle no older than 180 days with available refills and a valid VA photo ID. No controlled substances. Emergency prescription hotline is 1-855-218-4614.
The Bureau of Motor Vehicles is also closed until further notice. DPS confirmed today that no late fees will be applied during the closure.
On transit, COTA is running limited service. Call-A-Ride Rota is back to normal hours — call 670-236-2686. The Blue Line 1B on Saipan remains suspended until roads are safe. Call-A-Ride on Saipan and Tinian is operating for essential trips only — dialysis, prescription pickups, clinic visits and scheduled appointments, limited by road conditions.
Bank of Guam’s Saipan and Tinian branches are open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. until further notice. All Guam, Rota and Chuuk branches are back to normal hours.
On water, the Kagman filling station was briefly closed this afternoon from noon to 3 p.m. for a generator swap by CUC operators. All other stations remained open. The Boil Water Notice is still in effect across Saipan, and DEQ put out a disinfection guide today for residents using non-potable water for hygiene. The formula: three drops of regular unscented household bleach per gallon for clear water, six drops for cloudy. Mix thoroughly and let stand covered away from sunlight for at least 30 minutes before use.
In public safety, DFEMS responded to a structure fire at a duplex in Kagman III Phase 4 early this morning. Units arrived at 12:33 a.m. and Lieutenant A. Aldan reported the fire under control at 2:25 a.m.
On the weather front, NWS Guam Warning Coordination Meteorologist Landon Aydlett’s weekly outlook is encouraging. Fair skies are back across the Marianas and will hold through the weekend. Winds are light and variable, shifting northeast Wednesday as trade winds build. Seas are dropping from 5 to 7 feet now to 4 to 5 feet by Thursday. No warnings, no watches, no advisories and no tropical cyclone threats anywhere in the region through the weekend. Low to moderate rip current risk remains at all reefs and beaches.
And finally, Guam is stepping up. Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero formally requested that President Trump authorize the activation of the Guam National Guard under Title 32 to support recovery across both Guam and the CNMI. Governor Apatang had formally requested Guam’s assistance on April 17 and Guam says it is ready to deploy once federal authorization comes through.
That is your Recovery Rundown for Tuesday, April 21, 2026.
The Recovery Rundown is presented by IT&E. Watch the full video on the NMI News Service Facebook page and YouTube channel.
