Around 1,000 Palauans are estimated to have been affected by the Super Typhoon Yutu that devastated the Northern Mariana Islands (NMI) as it made landfall on the United States Commonwealth on October 24.
Vice President Raynold Oilouch, in a press conference on Wednesday, said that the government has received reports that most of Palauans’ homes in NMI were damaged by the Category 5 typhoon which is noted to be the most intense storm that hit the commonwealth with packed sustained winds of 180 mph.
Oilouch said that some of these Palauan homes were totally damaged while others were either partially or substantially destroyed.
“There was a big destruction in CNMI and the Palauan people in CNMI needs immediate assistance right now,” Oilouch said, adding that this prompted the government to call for an immediate fundraising event this Friday, November 2, to be able to extend help to the affected Palauans.
The Palau government, through a public statement issued on October 30, has called for Palauan citizens to show support to those who were affected by the super typhoon.
An emergency relief fundraiser is set up today, November 2, at the Ministry of Education (MOE) parking lot in Medalaii, Koror.
“It is with great sadness that we all have observed the terrible disaster in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) caused by Super Typhoon Yutu last week. We have learned that many homes have been destroyed in Saipan and critical infrastructure has been compromised with no power and water at this time,” President Tommy Remengesau, Jr. said in a statement.
Meanwhile, Vice President Oilouch said that Palau is geared towards providing public workers and electricians that could help in the rebuilding of damaged infrastructures in Saipan.
“That is something that is being considered right now although the final decision has not been made because we still need to consult with the president and of course other leaders in the community,” Oilouch said. (Rhealyn C. Pojas)