Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall on Monday morning, bringing devastating winds and torrential rain to the US Pacific territories of Guam and the Northern Marianas. The National Weather Service (NWS) reported maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (290 kph) as the storm passed over the island of Rota.
Impact of Super Typhoon Bavi on the Region
The NWS warned that Bavi's eyewall was delivering catastrophic winds exceeding 150 mph, with the potential for severe damage. Reports indicate that many homes, particularly those not constructed of reinforced materials, are at risk of complete destruction. The agency advised residents to treat the extreme winds as if a tornado were approaching.
Residents were urged to seek shelter immediately, with many areas expected to become uninhabitable for weeks. The storm's trajectory suggests it will move westward across the archipelago, causing widespread power outages and severe flooding.
Preparedness and Evacuations in Guam and Northern Marianas
Before the storm's arrival, the streets of Guam were largely deserted as residents followed official advice to evacuate to safer locations. Businesses throughout the islands boarded up in anticipation of the storm, which was expected to make landfall late Sunday night or early Monday morning.
