Typhoon Bavi tore across the Marianas on July 6, its eye passing directly over Rota with winds peaking at 180 mph and knocking out power across southern Guam. Months later, help is finally flowing: following a presidential major disaster declaration on Oct. 7, residents, homeowners and businesses on Guam can now tap a range of federal assistance — and the deadlines matter.

Homeowners and renters have until Dec. 7 to apply for FEMA Individual Assistance, which covers temporary housing, essential home repairs, and disaster-related costs such as medical bills, childcare, moving and even funeral expenses. Applying is straightforward: online at disasterassistance.gov, through the FEMA app, or via a 24/7 helpline at (671) 735-1050. Notably, FEMA says no physical recovery centre is needed to start the process, though in-person survivor centres are being arranged. Even people with insurance are encouraged to apply — FEMA won't duplicate an insurer's payout, but underinsured applicants can get help once claims settle.

The U.S. Small Business Administration is the other big lifeline. Homeowners can borrow up to $500,000 to repair a primary residence and up to $100,000 for personal property, at rates from 2.875 percent over terms as long as 30 years. Businesses and nonprofits can borrow up to $2 million for physical damage at rates as low as 4 percent (3.625 percent for nonprofits), plus a possible 20 percent top-up for mitigation work. Interest doesn't accrue until 12 months after the first disbursement. Businesses suffering economic injury — including from the extended islandwide power shutdown — can apply for Economic Injury Disaster Loans, with applications open until July 7, 2027. The IRS has also pushed tax-filing deadlines for affected taxpayers to Feb. 4, 2027.

One warning from officials: a FEMA referral to the SBA doesn't guarantee a loan, and the two agencies can't duplicate benefits. If FEMA grants don't make you whole, an SBA application filed early is your backup — you're never obliged to accept the loan.

For context on scale: after Typhoon Mawar hit Guam in May 2023, the SBA approved more than $250 million in disaster loans — $209 million for residents and $40 million for businesses.

For travellers, the practical takeaway is timing. Guam has now taken two direct or near-direct typhoon hits in just over two years, so anyone planning a trip should check recovery conditions, consider travel insurance that covers weather disruption, and note that peak typhoon risk in the region runs roughly July through December.