SAIPAN — Power generation on Saipan has been restored to levels above pre-typhoon demand and nearly all primary lines are energized, but only about half of electrical customers were connected to the grid as of Thursday, according to the latest Sinlaku recovery report from the CNMI Joint Information Center.
The JIC’s June 5 situation report, its 44th, said 99 percent of Saipan’s primary power lines had been energized as of June 4, though approximately 50 percent of electrical customers were energized through the CUC grid. Officials said areas are partially energized due to limited materials.
On generation, the report said total available capacity had reached 34.7 megawatts, surpassing the roughly 30 megawatts of peak demand recorded before Super Typhoon Sinlaku. As of June 4, customer demand stood at 21.1 megawatts against a generation output of 21.4 megawatts. The JIC cautioned that full restoration has not been achieved, because it depends on completing repairs to damaged poles, transmission infrastructure, and lateral lines as well as generation.
On water, the report said about 98 percent of Saipan customers were receiving 24-hour service as of June 4, with 79 percent of wells and facilities online. A boil water notice remains in effect on Saipan. On Tinian, water service was reported at 99 percent online, and the island’s boil water notice was cancelled May 6.
The report detailed federal assistance milestones. FEMA’s Individual Assistance program had awarded $22,927,788.90 across 11,243 registrations, including about $1.33 million in housing assistance and $21.6 million in other needs assistance. The U.S. Small Business Administration had provided $8.3 million in loans from 814 applications.
Under the STRONG tent and roofing mission, which provides temporary sheltering while damaged homes undergo permanent repairs, crews had installed 1,332 tents and 370 temporary roofs across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. The program is coordinated by the CNMI government, island mayors’ offices, the CNMI Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and the CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management, along with FEMA, the U.S. Department of War, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and the U.S. Forest Service.
On debris, the report said the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers had collected 38,662 cubic yards on Saipan and 3,020 cubic yards on Tinian. Both islands are being cleared sector by sector, with crews asking residents to sort debris and place it along the public right-of-way without blocking roadways, hydrants, or utility meters.
All emergency shelters were closed as of June 2, the report said, with individuals having secured alternative housing, received tent or roof assistance through the STRONG program, or been provided housing assistance.
The JIC said it would begin issuing situation reports on Tuesdays and Fridays.