Mark Rabago
RNZ Pacific CNMI correspondent
The
US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) says it has completed
more than half of the requested temporary generator
installations on Rota, as crews work to restore essential
services following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon
Bavi last month.
The USACE Temporary Power Team has
been installing generators at critical facilities, including
shelters, the Rota Health Center, telecommunications sites,
water wells, police and fire stations, the judicial center,
hotels housing emergency responders, a bottled water plant,
an ice production facility and a diesel service
station.
USACE said additional personnel and equipment
had been pre-positioned before Bavi struck because crews
were already deployed in the Commonwealth of the Northern
Mariana Islands (CNMI) following Super Typhoon Sinlaku in
April.
While Sinlaku caused extensive damage on Saipan
and Tinian, Bavi knocked out Rota’s power system.
The
agency said a generator was also installed at Rota’s power
plant to power heaters drying out storm-soaked engines,
helping speed the restoration of the island’s electricity
network.
USACE Recovery Field Office commander Lt Col
Lamar Cantelou said restoring electricity remained the top
priority.
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“Restoring power is the critical first step
in helping the people of Rota rebuild their lives after
these devastating storms.”
Cantelou added that each
generator installed at key facilities moves the island
closer to recovery.
Mission leader Major Blake Ritchey
said restoring electricity to healthcare facilities was
among the team’s highest priorities.
“Bringing power
to hospitals and health centers is always a priority on a
temp power mission because it reduces the potential for loss
of life and is a symbol to the communities devastated by the
storm that they are not alone.”
USACE said its crews
have been averaging about two generator installations each
day while working extended shifts.
Nearly 2000 people
live on Rota, where officials said many residents were left
without electricity and water after Bavi struck on 6 July,
causing widespread damage to homes, vegetation and
infrastructure.
President Donald Trump approved an
emergency declaration for the CNMI on 3 July, allowing the
Federal Emergency Management Agency and USACE to coordinate
the federal disaster response.
USACE said it will
continue installing temporary generators while permanent
repairs to Rota’s power system are
completed.
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