Damaged ports become central focus of federal recovery effort on Rota

The reopening of Rota's damaged seaports has become a central focus of the federal recovery effort following Super Typhoon Bavi, with Federal Emergency Management Agency officials saying restoring maritime access is critical to bringing in the fuel, equipment and construction materials needed to rebuild the island.

Keith Jones, FEMA's external affairs officer, said federal officials, including the federal coordinating officer and Gov. David M. Apatang's representatives, toured Rota last July 9 to assess damage, particularly at the ports, and met with Mayor Aubry Hocog to discuss reopening it as quickly as possible.

"The ports are in pretty bad shape," Jones said. "As the mayor said, that's the lifeblood of Rota, and we want to get that open as soon as possible."

Jones said emergency food and water needs are currently being met through federal airlift operations, a World Central Kitchen field kitchen and the American Red Cross. However, he said restoring maritime access remains essential because many critical supplies cannot be flown into the island.

"The food and the water situation is pretty well under control, but it's gaining that access so we can get the larger commodities, the fuel, the resupply, things that can't be delivered by air. And that's pretty much the main focus right now," he said.

Jones said helicopters and C-130 cargo aircraft continue delivering emergency supplies and technical personnel to Rota while FEMA, the Department of Defense, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and CNMI officials coordinate recovery operations.

Restoring temporary power is another immediate priority, Jones said, adding that federal agencies are considering every available option, including military and civilian resources.

"It doesn't matter where the generator comes from. If there's a requirement, we're going to meet it by however we need to meet it," Jones said. "The important thing is we need to get power restored. We need to get temporary power restored so that we can get that full shore power restored."

Jones also said FEMA has not yet determined whether Individual Assistance will be available for residents affected by Bavi. He said teams are conducting aerial and ground damage assessments before any recommendation is made.

"We have people right now doing assessments, and I can't tell you that it is going to happen, but I also can't tell you that it won't," he said.

In the meantime, Jones urged residents to remain patient as recovery crews continue clearing roads and restoring essential services.

"Roads are clear for two-way passage," he said. "Still try to stay closer to home. Still try to conserve what it is you have in terms of food and resources."

While acknowledging the extent of the damage, Jones expressed confidence that conditions will continue to improve.

"Your life changes in a day, and it's going to take weeks and months to recover. But every day gets a little bit better," he said.