Residents of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands rushed to prepare as Super Typhoon Bavi approached the US Pacific territories. Authorities warned that the powerful storm could cause widespread damage, severe flooding, and dangerous sea conditions.
According to weather officials, Super Typhoon Bavi is expected to move westward from early Monday. The storm is forecast to bring sustained winds of up to 260 kilometers per hour. Wind gusts could reach 315 kilometers per hour, making it as powerful as a Category 5 hurricane.
The US National Weather Service described the typhoon as “very dangerous.” Officials warned that tropical storm-force winds could begin affecting the region from Sunday afternoon or evening. Areas close to the center of the storm could experience catastrophic damage.
Heavy rainfall is also expected across the affected islands. Weather experts warned that torrential rain could trigger significant flooding and coastal inundation. Sea waves may reach up to 35 feet, creating extremely dangerous conditions for ships and coastal communities.
Residents in Guam spent the weekend making final preparations. Many boarded up windows, secured homes, and stocked emergency supplies. Some families moved to evacuation centers, while others chose stronger buildings or hotels for safety.
One Guam resident said she purchased plywood early to protect her restaurant before the storm arrived. Another resident expressed concern but remained hopeful that her concrete home would withstand the powerful winds.
A school bus driver working for the US military said she planned to stay in a hotel because of fears about the strong winds and loud storm conditions. A Japanese tourist, whose return flight to Tokyo was canceled, said she would remain in her hotel until the typhoon passed.
The Northern Mariana Islands have a population of around 40,000 people. Nearby Guam is home to approximately 170,000 residents. Both are part of the Mariana Islands in the western Pacific, although Guam is a separate US territory.
Authorities have urged residents to take evacuation orders seriously. Officials warned that the opportunity to move to safer locations was quickly closing as weather conditions worsened.
Guam opened five evacuation centers in local schools. These shelters can accommodate around 1,900 people, especially those living in vulnerable homes.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also deployed emergency teams across Guam. Officials said emergency supplies were already in place before the storm. Stockpiles include more than 1.1 million liters of drinking water, 1.2 million meals, 6,700 cots, and 90 generators to support relief efforts if needed.
Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog encouraged residents to remain calm and work together. He urged everyone to follow safety measures and prayed for the protection of local communities.
The region is still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which struck in April. That storm caused widespread power outages, damaged homes, uprooted trees, and overturned vehicles. A cargo ship also capsized during the storm after suffering engine failure, leaving several crew members dead or missing.
Climate experts say warmer ocean temperatures can strengthen tropical storms. The European Union’s Copernicus Marine Service recently reported that the world’s oceans recorded their hottest June on record. Scientists believe warmer seas provide more energy for storms and increase the amount of rainfall they produce.
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The World Meteorological Organization has also confirmed that El Niño conditions have developed in the Pacific Ocean. The climate pattern is expected to become strong in the coming months. Experts warn that El Niño can change global weather patterns and may contribute to more extreme weather events worldwide.
