Saipan escapes major damage as crews prepare to assist hard-hit Rota after Bavi

Saipan emerged from Super Typhoon Bavi with only limited damage, while emergency crews prepared Tuesday, July 7, to deploy to hard-hit Rota as recovery efforts shifted into full gear across the Commonwealth.

Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho said his initial inspection of the island found no widespread destruction despite the Category 5 storm.

"I drove around... I want to make sure the community are safe. No major destruction or roadblocks on the road for our emergency responders or the community to go to get their needs. So I don't see much of a major damage," Camacho said.

The mayor said he observed only scattered damage, including some temporary roofing and tents that had not been dismantled before the typhoon. Municipal crews were activated later in the day to remove fallen branches and clear roadways.

Camacho said the Saipan Mayor’s Office has been coordinating ways to support Rota despite financial constraints.

"People of Rota, please continue to support each other. Nobody asked for this typhoon. Typhoon is not new to us. But the most important thing is let's care for one another," he said. "The support groups are on their way to Rota. As soon as they open the airport, they're going to start mobilizing people down to Rota for any immediate assistance."

Meanwhile, Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services public information officer Robert Mojica said DFEMS is preparing to send about 10 personnel from Saipan to reinforce exhausted crews on Rota.

Although the Rota fire station sustained damage to one of its bay doors and emergency vehicles suffered minor damage, Mojica said there were no reported injuries among firefighters or EMTs stationed on the island. He said Saipan's stations also escaped significant damage, with personnel temporarily consolidated at the Capitol Hill Fire Station after generator issues at the Garapan station.

Emergency responders handled a limited number of medical calls on Saipan during the storm, including transporting a pregnant woman to the hospital and providing treatment to several shelter occupants.

"Thankfully, we're not as busy. Thankfully, it was just a quick typhoon, and we're thankful and grateful that it was quick," Mojica said.

Mojica said the department is coordinating with the Emergency Operations Center, Homeland Security, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency to support Rota's recovery.

"Our hearts out with you guys. I believe the commissioner is working closely with EOC and Homeland and FEMA. We're trying to get a team ready to head down there and assist you guys," he said. "The last thing I saw was a team of 10 individuals. We're going to have 10 guys from here go down to Rota and assist them, give them a break if we can, and whatever else we need to do, help them with whatever we can, we're going to do that."

Mojica also urged residents to remain off the roads unless necessary while recovery operations continue and reminded motorists to reserve the Shell Puerto Rico gas station for first responders and designated government vehicles.