Today, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. declared that a major disaster exists in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands and ordered Federal aid to supplement commonwealth and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Typhoon Mawar beginning on May 22, 2023, and continuing.
The President's action makes Federal funding available to commonwealth and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organizations on a cost-sharing basis for emergency protective measures, including direct Federal assistance for the island of Rota.
Mr. Benigno B. Ruiz of FEMA has been appointed to coordinate Federal recovery operations in the affected areas.
Damage assessments are continuing, and additional areas and forms of assistance may be designated after the assessments are fully completed.
