Office on Aging continues outreach, aid to man’amko after Sinlaku

The CNMI Office on Aging said senior centers across the Commonwealth sustained varying levels of damage from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, while many elderly residents continue to struggle with flooding, damaged homes, and limited access to basic necessities.

Office on Aging director Walter A. Mangloña said the Saipan Senior Center suffered the heaviest damage among the agency’s facilities.

“The facility experienced broken windows, severe water intrusion in several areas, and the complete loss of a skylight due to strong winds.”

He added that fallen trees also damaged government vehicles parked on the property.

Mangloña said the Tinian Senior Center sustained moderate flooding and damage to a rear access door, while the Rota Senior Center reported roof leaks and problems involving newly installed solar lighting.

“Despite these challenges, our teams continue working diligently to restore operations,” he said.

Mangloña said many man’amko throughout the islands continue facing hardships brought by the typhoon, including utility outages, flood damage, and difficulty obtaining food and water.

“Even during these difficult circumstances, our man’amko have shown remarkable resilience and strength,” he said.

According to Mangloña, the Office on Aging has continued coordinating with community partners, organizations, and donors to provide meals, water, food, transportation assistance, and other essential supplies to vulnerable elders.

The agency also conducted phone outreach and in-person welfare checks to assess seniors’ immediate needs and connect them with available relief services.

Mangloña confirmed that Office on Aging staff also reached out to the elderly man featured in a viral video showing him trapped inside his flooded and partially collapsed home during the storm.

“Our staff visited him while he was receiving care at the hospital, and we are grateful that he is safe and receiving the medical attention and support he needs at this time,” Mangloña said.

He said the Office on Aging would not release additional details out of respect for the man’s privacy.

Mangloña also announced that the Saipan Senior Center has been designated as a long-term Tier 2 shelter for families displaced by storm damage, temporarily suspending senior activity programs at the facility until further notice.

However, he said essential supportive services and meal assistance for homebound elders will continue.

“To our beloved man’amko, please continue to stay safe, remain hydrated, and stay informed through official updates and trusted news sources,” Mangloña said. “Please know that you are deeply valued, cared for, and never forgotten.”