The American Red Cross has warned of possible gaps in disaster response as another storm approaches the Marianas, with the CNMI still recovering from super typhoons Sinlaku and Bavi earlier this year.
Red Cross coordinating officer Charles Blake said repeated storms have strained recovery efforts, making it difficult for government agencies and relief organizations to fully recover before another disaster strikes.
“When you get hit with multiple storms, one right after the other, and you don't get time to fully recover from those storms, there's going to be some gaps,” Blake told Marianas Press last Oct. 15 at the Emergency Operations Center on Capitol Hill.
Blake acknowledged that not everyone's needs may be met immediately despite ongoing preparations.
“We won't be able to do everything for everybody, but we're going to do the best we can to meet people's needs and meet them where they're at,” he said.
The Red Cross is coordinating with local emergency management officials to prepare evacuation shelters across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota.
On Saipan, planned shelter locations include two areas at Marianas High School, Kagman High School, and Kagman Community Center. Garapan Elementary School could also be used after the storm passes.
On Tinian, identified shelters include Tinian Elementary School and Tinian Middle School, while Rota's locations include the Aging Center and Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Jr./Sr. High School.
Blake stressed that residents should follow announcements from their respective mayors and local emergency management authorities on which shelters will open and when evacuations should begin.
Residents seeking shelter should bring medications, identification cards, important documents, sleeping mats or sleeping bags, and other personal necessities, as some shelters may not have cots.
The Red Cross will provide water, restroom facilities, comfort kits, mental health assistance, and basic health services. Snacks may also be available, but residents with special dietary needs should bring their own food.
Pets will also be accepted at shelters, although owners should bring food, medications, and other necessities for their animals.
Red Cross CNMI board chair Joshua Wise urged families to prepare enough supplies to remain indoors for at least 48 hours.
He advised residents to fill their vehicles with fuel, secure fuel for generators, and stock up on drinking water, food, and medications.
Wise also encouraged residents to check on neighbors, friends, and relatives who may need assistance.
Blake, meanwhile, said power, water, and fuel shortages could be among the biggest challenges immediately after the storm, particularly for generators supporting essential services.
“Some of the biggest challenges that we face immediately after the storm are power, water, and fuel to keep generators going and support life-saving mission. So I am concerned about that,” he said.
The CNMI government is working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency to secure additional resources before the storm arrives, according to Blake.
The Red Cross is also coordinating with other voluntary organizations to identify additional personnel and resources for evacuation and recovery operations.
Wise said the organization urgently needs more volunteers to operate shelters across the three islands.
The local chapter has only two staff members and about 15 to 20 regular volunteers, although others are prepared to help.
“We need more volunteers, especially since the Red Cross will be handling all the shelters,” Wise said.
He said volunteers will have to rotate shifts, particularly if shelters remain open for several days.
To reinforce local operations, Blake said about 85 additional Red Cross personnel from Guam, Hawaii, and the U.S. mainland are expected to be on the ground by Friday, Oct. 16.
The number does not include local Red Cross staff and volunteers, and additional personnel could be requested depending on the storm's impact.
Wise encouraged residents interested in volunteering to visit the Red Cross chapter along Airport Road. He also credited local high school students and Red Cross clubs for helping during previous disasters.
Blake said Red Cross disaster assistance is free, with operations supported by donations.
Residents can visit www.redcross.org for shelter information, although opening times and evacuation instructions will come from local emergency management authorities.
Wise also urged residents not to panic or spread unverified information, emphasizing the importance of following official announcements from the Emergency Operations Center and other emergency management agencies.
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