SAIPAN. New footage underlines the catastrophic damage caused by Super Typhoon Soudelor which smashed into the Northern Mariana Islands on 2 August. The storm was the worst disaster to hit Saipan in almost 30 years.
As reported, DFS Group, which has operated on Saipan since 1976, has mounted a concerted effort to help those affected, including many of its own staff. To assist with the recovery, DFS Saipan has established a donation campaign fund at http://www.gofundme.com/saipandfs.
Donations will go to DFS TEAM 670 CLUB, a non-profit organisation registered in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. The funds will be managed by DFS Saipan senior management and used to assist Saipan colleagues in rebuilding their lives. DFS is matching donations made to the fund. Tax donation receipts can be provided upon request.
The Moodie Report has made a donation to the fund and all further travel retail industry donations are particularly welcome at this time of immense hardship.
DFS has also donated US$50k to the local chapter of the Red Cross and made a direct financial donation to all Saipan employees. It is also bringing in washers and dryers for employees’ use.
DFS Saipan reports that many of its staff lost their homes or had them severely damaged. Soudelor, the strongest typhoon so far in the 2015 season, packed winds of up to 150 km/h as it hit Saipan – destroying houses, knocking out power, flipping cars and downing trees.
The island was without power for a prolonged period and suffered a shortage of fuel; the airport was closed for several days; and the tourism industry – Saipan’s lifeblood – has been put on hold due to the massive infrastructure damage.
 |
 |
Saipan took a battering from the destructive force of Super Typhoon Soudelor |
 |
 |
As Saipan gets back on its feet, DFS Saipan staff need industry support |
