CNMI: Tinian reels from Sinlaku as evacuees, aid groups and officials chart recovery

A week after Super Typhoon Sinlaku tore through Tinian, evacuees sheltering at Tinian Elementary School are recounting how they fled for safety and what they found when they returned home.

"When we heard Sinlaku is coming, we prepared to cover everything, our window and door," Rogel 'Owen' Teope, 49, said.

"And we just decided to go to the shelter to make sure we are going to be safe."

That decision likely saved their lives.

"Then when we stay here, that's very, very, very strong wind," he said. "And when we come back to our place, our roof is gone, everything is wet and a lot of dirt inside the house."

Despite the devastation, Teope expressed gratitude for the steady flow of aid reaching the island.

"We're very thankful they're helping us so much. Very big help for our community," he said.

His daughter, Alicia, 17, said support from both local and international groups has lifted spirits.

"We're very much thankful… even local organizations… and those from outside the islands," she said. "At the end of the day… it's all those tiny steps that we take that make us come back stronger."

For 24-year-old Wesley George Cepeda Teregeyo, the storm left his Marpo Valley home badly damaged.

"My home … it got devastated … the roof blown off, a whole bunch of trash and debris everywhere," he said.

He said early evacuation made a difference, especially after warnings the storm could rival Typhoon Yutu.

"Sinlaku was a little weaker than Yutu. But since it stayed here… it did way more damage," he said.

He added recovery has been slow and communal.

"Right now, it's just cleanup … helping out family members and communities. We're Islanders … I know we will get through this."

At the shelter, about 100 evacuees remain housed in classrooms, according to American Red Cross shelter manager Brenda Kamish.

"The shelter opened on the 12th, and it's going pretty well," she said. "We're feeding them three hot meals a day… taking care of whatever they might need."

Many are still sleeping on floors due to limited supplies.

"They don't complain … but we'd like to make them a little more comfortable," Kamish said.

She said no major illnesses have been reported and praised evacuees for their resilience.

"They've been just so kind to us… they're always thanking us," she said.

Even in hardship, small gestures stand out - including evacuees sharing fresh coconuts with aid workers.

Across Tinian, recovery efforts are focused on restoring essential services.

Allen Perez, chief of staff at the mayor's office, said about 95 percent of water service has been restored, while fuel supplies have stabilised. Power restoration remains the biggest challenge.

"Right now … our biggest issue is power," he said.

More than 100 residents remain in shelters, while others stay with relatives.

Relief organisations continue to provide food and supplies. World Central Kitchen says it is serving hundreds of meals daily, including deliveries to vulnerable residents.

"A meal is not just nourishing … it provides comfort and dignity," community outreach manager Mae Bipart-Butler said.

Officials are also setting up a central distribution hub at the Tinian gymnasium to manage incoming aid, including water shipments.

For now, residents like Teope say they are taking recovery one day at a time-holding on to gratitude and community spirit as they rebuild.

"Thank you … we really, really need your help," he said.