Standing with Rota After Super Typhoon Bavi
On Monday, July 6, Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall in the CNMI, with Rota bearing the brunt of the storm. As communications began to fail and reports of significant damage emerged, I joined the CNMI government's preliminary damage assessment alongside FEMA and the Department of War to see the impacts firsthand. While on Rota, I met with Mayor Aubrey Hocog and her outstanding team, surveyed damage to the island's port facilities and fuel infrastructure, and discussed both the immediate response and the long-term recovery needs of the community. I also had the opportunity to view the island from the air, where the extent of the damage was clear. What stood out just as much, however, was Rota's resilience. I saw homes that withstood the storm and a community that had already begun the work of rebuilding. I thank God that there was no loss of life from Super Typhoon Bavi. As one Commonwealth, we will continue working together to support Rota's recovery and help ensure the island has the resources it needs to rebuild.