After the disaster, the islanders had no power, running water, nor heat, although temperatures were often below freezing. The school swimming pool was being used for drinking water until the Marines landed with water, as well as hot showers and heavy equipment to move hundreds of tons of debris. As Marines moved debris, they also searched for family valuables or heirlooms amongst the destroyed houses, collecting what they could and setting them aside in case they could be claimed.
In all, more than 300 Marines and Sailors with the 31st MEU worked on the island for more than a week, assisting more than 3,000 local residents, who were finally able to have power, water, and importantly, heat. Marines also returned fishing boats to the water that had been swept up into the hills by the tsunami waves so fishermen could begin to work again.