Support the People of CNMI: Donate to Typhoon Yutu Relief

November 1, 2018

In mid-October 2018 our colleagues in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) were hit with Super Typhoon Yutu. President Trump declared a major disaster in CNMI; you can read about the impact of the storm on residents in a 10-27 FEMA update and in Washington Post coverage (10-26). People with disabilities and the UCEDD in CNMI have been severely impacted.

It's important to note that CNMI has no fresh water. All water is produced through desalination of ocean water. This is of significant concern as the power grid is anticipated to be out for 4-5 months, and is a priority for relief efforts. Also, the community college in which the UCEDD sits sustained great damage during the storm, with about 80% of the college campus (including the UCEDD building) severely damaged.

Guam, a 30-minute flight away, is collecting supplies food and water to be send once non-military flights are able to land. Floyd Masga, the UCEDD Director in CNMI, is coordinating with disability network partners in the Territory, and meeting with FEMA's Disability Integration Advisor on the ground. The disability organizations in CNMI are partnering with Red Cross and FEMA to identify individual needs for medications, oxygen, durable medical equipment, and other accessibility and healthcare needs that were compromised by the typhoon. Donations will support meeting these needs.

AUCD will channel 100% of donations for Typhoon relief efforts to the center for them to use as needed and we will keep you updated as recovery efforts progress. Thank you for your support!