Rota gets $2 Million from Disaster Assistance; 98 Temporary Roofs will be built

As of Wednesday, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has paid out nearly $2 million in disaster assistance, in conjunction with the United States Army Corps of Engineers approving 98 applications so far, as part of their Temporary Roofing Program on Rota.

According to Victor Inge, a FEMA External Affairs Officer, 492 of Rota’s residents have registered for disaster assistance after Super Typhoon Bavi, and since then, $1.8 million has been paid out through FEMA’s other needs assistance program, along with $669,000 for housing assistance.

Inge urges applicants to maintain contact with FEMA during the application process, as initial correspondence may indicate disqualification or ineligibility. However, he urges residents to follow the next steps stated in the FEMA correspondence, as eligibility may just require a submission of additional documents.

Meanwhile, US Army Corps of Engineers Public Affairs Specialist Helen Wright shared with MP that 152 applications were received as of Wednesday, with 145 eligibility assessments conducted, 98 of which have since been approved. Wright adds that the delivery of supplies such as lumber and nails, as well as construction equipment is on schedule. As soon as supplies arrive on the island, construction is set to commence.

Both Inge and Wright encourage residents to apply and to follow through with the application process. “The main priority is to help as many people as we can,” said Inge. As Wright adds, “Our focus is to allow residents to safely remain in their homes, for the long term recovery for residents.”

September 11th, 2026, this Friday by 4:00pm is the last day to apply for the Temporary Roofing Program, with the FEMA Disaster Assistance registration remaining open until Rota’s needs are met. Residents are encouraged to visit the Survivor Recovery Center at Sinapalo’s Youth Center from 8:00am through 4:00pm, Monday through Saturday to beat the deadline and apply for the Temporary Roofing Program or to apply for FEMA’s Disaster Assistance.