News - Northern Mariana Islands

Utility restoration and commercial transit infrastructure across the Northern Mariana Islands are nearing stabilization following Super Typhoon Sinlaku, though significant electrical grid damage continues to suppress recovery on Tinian.

The Commonwealth Utilities Corp. raised the fuel adjustment charge from $0.245 to $0.44489 per kilowatt-hour, from May 15, effectively doubling the cost of power for households in the Northern Mariana Islands. The increase was reportedly approved by the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission.

The Department of Public Health and Social Services confirmed two new laboratory-confirmed cases of Pertussis, bringing the total number of confirmed cases for 2026 to 13.

Q&A courtesy of the Saipan Chamber of Commerce with Raenada A. Mason, public affairs specialist with the U.S. Small Business Administration. Mason is currently in Saipan. The SBA will be assisting businesses and residents at the Survivor Recovery Center at the Governor Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center.

Team Rubicon personnel have had 24 “grey shirt” volunteers in Saipan and Tinian since April 20. The organization has fielded an advance/recon team and medical and support teams and conducts community outreach during the day, addressing basic needs and chronic conditions.

Even before Saipan was struck by Super Typhoon Sinlaku — its third 150 mph storm in just over a decade — small businesses were already grappling with a prolonged economic downturn marked by declining revenues, shrinking customer bases, and persistent operational challenges.

United Airlines has suspended flights on the Saipan-Narita route from May 7 through July 10.

The Northern Mariana Islands’ fragile post-Super Typhoon Sinlaku recovery is colliding with a renewed fiscal crunch, as the government proposes to operate on just above $100 million for fiscal 2027 amid declining revenues and mounting obligations.

Representatives from the Federal Emergency Management Agency visited Commonwealth Utilities Corp. power and water facilities on April 26, to conduct preliminary damage assessments following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

The U.S. Coast Guard has deployed teams to Saipan, to augment the team there and further assess 28 identified vessels affected by the storm.