The American Red Cross in the Northern Marianas was forced to shut down on Wednesday after being overrun by victims of Typhoon Soudelor seeking relief assistance.
Saipan residents queue for post-typhoon aid at the American Memorial Park. Photo: Mark Rabago
The Marianas Variety reported the situation got out of hand and fights broke out in a crowd of about 2000 people in the long queues for aid.
Police eventually ordered the Red Cross to close down its operations for the rest of that day and those seeking help were turned away.
The paper reports the Red Cross saying it is trying to manage up to 300 households a day.
It is providing financial assistance on a case by case basis for those whose homes were damaged or destroyed by Typhoon Soudelor.
The Red Cross is also providing bulk supplies of hand sanitizer and other sanitary products, rice, and burner stoves.