Typhoon Bavi Strikes Guam and Northern Mariana Islands

Typhoon Bavi inflicted significant damage in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands on Monday. Powerful winds and heavy rainfall are affecting the area, leading to downed power lines and warnings of possible flash flooding.

Bavi’s intensity reached Category 5 hurricane status as it passed over Rota, part of the Northern Mariana Islands. According to the National Weather Service, no fatalities or injuries had been reported in Guam or the Northern Mariana Islands as of early Monday afternoon.

On Sunday night, Saipan, the capital of the Northern Marianas, experienced a complete power outage. This disruption was confirmed by the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation, responsible for the island’s electricity supply.

The Guam Power Authority issued a statement on Monday indicating that strong winds had damaged power lines and caused outages. Anticipated further outages were likely. Rainfall predictions for the region were between 12 and 16 inches by Tuesday, with Rota possibly receiving up to 20 inches. A typhoon warning, flood watch, and extreme wind warning were issued for the region.

In preparation, authorities in Guam, home to around 150,000 residents, activated the highest alert level in a four-tier alert system. Evacuation shelters were opened and restricted access was enforced at U.S. military facilities on the island.

By Monday afternoon, main airports in Guam and the Northern Marianas had canceled all flights. Operations at several ports were suspended. The region is still recovering from Typhoon Sinlaku, which caused extensive damage in April.

This situation is evolving.