The Northern Marianas government says it is allocating and prioritising resources for the recovery effort on Rota after the island sustained a direct hit from Typhoon Mangkhut this week.
Governor Ralph Torres, who flew to the southernmost island on Monday, said a meeting with local and federal officials had secured a commitment to provide temporary shelter, food and water for displaced residents.
Governor Ralph Torres, (left), helps clear debris Photo: Office of the CNMI Governor
Dozens of people sought shelter on the island's lone evacuation center.
An initial assessment found that 40 power poles were damaged by the storm, causing the majority of the island to be without power for two days.
However 98 percent of Rota had access to potable water.
Meanwhile the local Red Cross sent six pallets of relief supplies to Rota.
The supplies included cleaning kits, flashlights, mosquito nets, blankets, hygiene kits, water containers and tarpaulins.
Assistance would be sent to Tinian as well pending further assessment.
Governor Torres, who will remain on Rota until Friday, also declared government operations on the island would resume today.
Governor Ralph Torres assists with the clean-up effort after Typhoon Mangkhut Photo: Office of the CNMI Governor