The US Coast Guard is working alongside partners in the region to respond and recover from Super Typhoon Yutu, which made landfall on October 24, on the Northern Mariana Islands.
Currently, USCG is working to assess and restore the Maritime Transportation System to ensure the movement of supplies and commerce. In addition, all ports on Guam, Rota, Saipan and Tinian are open in Port Condition Whiskey as of October 27.
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In addition, a US Coast Guard airplane and crew from Coast Guard Air Station Barbers Point performed an overflight of Saipan with minimal visible damage to waterways. That crew is now transporting personnel and relief supplies.
What is more, initial port assessments have come back with no significant pollution. Responders applied containment boom around two vessels that grounded, and marine salvage teams are planning and taking action.
Moreover, the Remote Fixed Facility communications on Tinian are back online, while the Saipan Remote Fixed Facility is partially operational. Repairs and troubleshooting are underway.
USCG is also trying for the following:
- Identify long-term resource needs;
- Bring the Remote Fixed Facility in Saipan fully back online;
- Conduct full aids to navigation and port assessment in Saipan;
- Repair and replace or reposition aids to navigation as needed to restore the Maritime Transportation System;
- Response and salvage for Grand Mariana I and II in Saipan.
Finally, resources and personnel continue to arrive in Guam and go onto Saipan and Tinian. Donations may still be dropped off for transport to affected communities.