The Northern Marianas government says Typhoon Yutu recovery efforts are progressing, despite public concerns over the slowness of assistance.
Damage caused by Yutu Photo: Mark Rabago
Nadine Deleon-Guerrero, from the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency, said the recovery following last month's typhoon has been impressive.
She said this was due mainly to the various organisations working in collaboration with the government to ensure those who have been affected receive help.
"This recovery path is actually quite impressive how quickly things are moving and a lot of that is in part due to strong relationships and partnerships we develop."
Nadine Deleon-Guerrero acknowledged there were setbacks in the immediate aftermath of the storm because resources had to be directed from the United States.
Yutu leaves CNMI tour guide uncertain of future
As the people of Northern Marianas rebuild their lives following two recent typhoons, tour guide Mike Pascual said he's uncertain about his future.
The 39-year-old from Saipan has been out of work for more than a month since Typhoon Yutu hit the islands.
Mr Pascual said he was laid off by his employer after the resorts and hotels were forced to close.
He said he hopes the tourists will return to the island soon so he can get his job back.
"There is no tourists coming, roofing is damaged at the airport. The hotels were damaged by the typhoon. The airports were damaged by the typhoon. There's no tourists coming, so no tourists, no job for me. We don't know when the tourists will come, whether they will be back soon but hopefully soon."
Locals in the CNMI waiting to get food stamps after category five Super Typhoon Yutu devastated the island and neighboring Tinian. Photo: Mark Rabago
Mike Pascual, who suffered damage to his property, said his two sons, aged 8 and 9, were also at home because their school remained closed.
The government said public schools and the Northern Marianas College were on target to resume classes next week.
