Biden

WASHINGTON -- President Biden granted a major disaster declaration for Guam on Thursday, which unlocks additional FEMA funding to help the territory respond to and recover from Typhoon Mawar. The disaster declaration allows for federal funding to be available for emergency protective measures to help eliminate threats to public health and safety.

More than 400 FEMA personnel are supporting response activities in the Pacific, with more than 160 in Guam. Voluntary organizations, along with local and territory officials, are conducting feeding operations in both Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. FEMA is also coordinating with its network of Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters to provide support and humanitarian aid. More than 120 voluntary personnel are headed to the impacted areas and 80 local staff are available to support the distribution of supplies and perform assessments.

Governors of both territories lifted sheltering orders; however, communications and cell service remain intermittent due to network outages. Anyone trying to reach friends or relatives in the impacted areas should remain patient as outages are being restored.

Damage assessments are ongoing in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands as the territories continue to experience power outages, water service disruptions and local flooding events. Flood watches remain for both the territories through Saturday. Residents should remain cautious and avoid floodwaters as they may contain downed power lines or waste that can lead to illness.