Typhoon Soudelor caused extensive damage to the Northern Marianas' main island, Saipan. Photo: Mark Rabago
The Northern Marianas has received more United States federal disaster-recovery funds, a few weeks out from the anniversary of Typhoon Soudelor.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency has approved four grants under its hazard mitigation programme, a total of US$9 million for projects that aim to reduce the territory's long-term risk and protect lives and property
FEMA has so far distributed more than US$25 million in housing and personal assistance, and $7.6 million for public assistance and the rebuilding of infrastructure.
Funding is expected to increase once the total cost of Typhoon Soudelor's damage has been counted.
The typhoon struck the territory in early August, 2015, causing significant damage to infrastructure and leaving hundreds homeless.