Gregorio Sablan: “The people of the Northern Mariana Islands know the terror when a typhoon strikes. We know how difficult are the days…”

“The people of the Northern Mariana Islands know the terror when a typhoon strikes. We know how difficult are the days and months of recovery after, but none of us has known a storm with the power and intensity of Typhoon Yolanda. So our hearts and our prayers go out to the people of the Philippines who are suffering through this terrible tragedy that swept down upon them. We have families and friends there. Some, thank God, we know are safe. The fate of others we wait to learn and whether their homes are standing, whether they have food, water. All we know for certain is the people of the Philippines need our help. America is rising quickly to assist. Our government immediately committed $20 million. Disaster teams are on the way. Much more will be needed from our government and from individuals alike, but I am sure we will all do whatever we can to assist the survivors who have lost so much and now face the long task of rebuilding their homes and lives. ____________________”