The United States National Weather Service in Guam has admitted that it did not expect Typhoon Soudelor to be as strong as it was when it hit the Northern Marianas on Sunday.
An aerial view of Saipan after Typhoon Soudelor. Photo: Facebook
The typhoon destroyed more than 380 homes and damaged other infrastructure on the territory's main island of Saipan.
The service has acknowledged that its wind forecasts were too low, affirming residents' suspicion that the devastating winds were much stronger than forecast.
Meanwhile, a third water filling station has been opened as the recovery gets into full swing.
The Commonwealth Utilities Corporation is replacing 400 power poles , while the Department of Public Works has begun clearing debris from secondary roads.
A fuel tanker has also arrived at the Port, alleviating fears of a fuel shortage, and the Navy ship USS Ashland is en route carrying additional supplies for the recovery