The Recovery Rundown — Tuesday, April 21, 2026 Presented by IT&E
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.
FEMA on the Ground in CNMI, But Individual Assistance Not Yet Available for Residents
SAIPAN — FEMA is actively supporting damage assessment, debris clearing and public safety operations in the CNMI under the existing emergency declaration, but individual assistance grants are not yet available to residents, the CNMI Joint Information Center said Tuesday.
Bureau of Motor Vehicles Closed Until Further Notice After Sinlaku; Late Fees Waived
SAIPAN — The Department of Public Safety announced Tuesday that the Bureau of Motor Vehicles will remain closed until further notice due to the impacts of Typhoon Sinlaku. Late fees will not be applied during the closure period.
Fair Weather Returns to Marianas as Sinlaku Swell Subsides, No New Storm Threats on Horizon
SAIPAN — Fair weather has returned to Guam and the CNMI in the wake of Typhoon Sinlaku, with only a few spotty showers expected through the weekend and no tropical cyclone development threats within the National Weather Service Guam area of responsibility, according to the weekly regional outlook issued Tuesday by Warning Coordination Meteorologist Landon Aydlett.
DHS Signs Off on CNMI Major Disaster Declaration Request; Package Headed to President
WASHINGTON — Congresswoman Kimberlyn King-Hinds announced Tuesday that Department of Homeland Security Secretary Marco Rubio has signed off on the CNMI’s request for a major disaster declaration following Typhoon Sinlaku, with the package now on its way to the president’s desk.
Fire Breaks Out at Kagman III Phase 4 Duplex Early Tuesday; DFEMS Brings Blaze Under Control
SAIPAN — The Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services responded to a structure fire in Kagman III Phase 4 early Tuesday morning, bringing the blaze under control roughly two hours after units arrived on scene.
DEQ Issues Water Disinfection Guide as Boil Water Notice Remains in Effect After Sinlaku
SAIPAN — The CNMI Division of Environmental Quality is advising residents on how to disinfect non-potable water using household bleach as the Boil Water Notice remains in effect following Typhoon Sinlaku.
Guam Governor Asks Trump to Activate National Guard for Sinlaku Recovery
HAGÅTÑA, Guam — Governor Lourdes A. Leon Guerrero formally asked President Donald J. Trump on Monday to authorize the activation of the Guam National Guard under federal Title 32 status to support Typhoon Sinlaku disaster recovery operations across Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
All Clear: HSEM Issues Final Sinlaku Bulletin as Storm Leaves the Marianas
SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang declared Agrihan All Clear Saturday afternoon, lifting the last active warning in the CNMI and ending the formal threat phase of Typhoon Sinlaku as HSEM issued its final bulletin on the storm.
Typhoon Warning Cancelled for Saipan and Tinian; Sinlaku Exits CNMI as Category 2
SAIPAN — The Typhoon Warning for Saipan and Tinian has been cancelled, marking the end of direct typhoon threat to the main CNMI islands as Typhoon Sinlaku weakened to 100 mph and moved 290 miles north of Saipan Friday morning, according to a weather alert prepared by NWS Guam meteorologist Landon Aydlett.