D-NAP applicants camp out overnight for chance at disaster aid

Some Disaster Nutrition Assistance Program applicants are lining up as early as 8pm the night before the program opens at 8am, hoping to spare themselves the uncertainty of being turned away after daily processing limits are reached.

With D-NAP operations resuming this week after a temporary suspension caused by Super Typhoon Bavi, hundreds of residents affected by Super Typhoon Sinlaku have been willing to sacrifice a night's sleep to improve their chances of receiving assistance. The CNMI Nutrition Assistance Program has said only the first 600 applicants would be processed on some scheduled days, with those not accommodated referred to open processing days later in the week.

Several applicants interviewed by Marianas Press requested anonymity because they were discussing their financial situation.

One applicant in his late 50s said he arrived around 8pm the previous evening because he could not afford to lose a day's wages by returning only to find the day's slots already filled.

"I will just endure the lack of sleep and exhaustion because I cannot easily earn $431 in just a single day at my job," he said, adding that he packed only biscuits, bottled water and coffee for the overnight wait.

A woman in her 60s said she prepared by bringing water, coffee, sandwiches, and a power bank for her cellphone. She said she even took a nap before heading to the line so she could still report to work after completing the application process.

Others who arrived around 4am were still surprised by the number of people already waiting.

One applicant said the long queue had become expected.

"Because the line is always long," the applicant said when asked why they arrived before dawn.

Another applicant said the experience highlighted the need for a simpler application process.

"I hope easy, I hope fast," the applicant said, adding they were unsure whether they would even make it to work later that day.

Another resident, who arrived around 9:30pm the previous evening after an earlier experience waiting until the afternoon to be processed, said the overnight wait seemed preferable to spending the following day standing under the sun.

Others brought little more than drinking water as they settled in for the long night, hoping the sacrifice would help secure assistance for their households.

The CNMI Nutrition Assistance Program resumed D-NAP operations last Monday, July 13, to process applications related to Super Typhoon Sinlaku after a temporary suspension during Super Typhoon Bavi. Operations are scheduled daily from 8am to 6pm, subject to utility availability and operational conditions. Applicants are encouraged to bring all required documentation to help reduce processing times.