, April 27 -- A major disaster declaration for the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands was approved Friday morning, unlocking expanded federal aid as Saipan, Tinian and Rota begin the long recovery from Super Typhoon Sinlaku's island‑wide destruction.

CNMI Delegate Kimberlyn King‑Hinds confirmed the approval, saying the declaration followed urgent coordination with federal partners to accelerate the CNMI government's request.

"President Trump has just signed the major disaster declaration that we have been working to expedite on behalf of the CNMI government," she said.

CNMI Governor David Apatang specifically requested individual assistance, public assistance, including direct federal assistance for residents who ...