Tens of thousands of people were left without power on Guam and the Northern Marianas after Super Typhoon Bavi tore through the US Pacific territories. No casualties have been reported, but the storm caused significant damage, particularly on the small island of Rota.
Widespread Damage on Rota
Super Typhoon Bavi, with winds up to 180 miles per hour, struck Rota early Monday. The storm brought down trees, power lines, and knocked out water supplies. Local resident Masum Dhali described the scene, stating, "Many homes have suffered severe damage, with countless roofs completely torn off. Across the island, there is no electricity, no running water, and no mobile network service."
Essential Services Disrupted
Numerous water pipelines have been broken, and many power poles have fallen, leaving the entire island without essential services. Lou Rosari, a spokeswoman for the Municipal Operations Center on Rota, confirmed on Tuesday morning, "As of right now, still no water and electricity."
No Casualties Reported
Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries or casualties. Rota senator Donald M. Manglona said in a video posted by the Marianas Press, "Our first responders and road crew are still out on the road trying to get access for our response vehicles to pull out and answer any distress calls. We still don't have any running water nor power."
Impact on Other Islands
Saipan and Tinian, the two main islands of the Northern Marianas, were also without power, as were parts of nearby Guam, a separate US territory home to major US military bases. Although the damage on these islands was less severe compared to Rota, the disruption to daily life remains significant.
Previous Typhoon Comparisons
The damage caused by Super Typhoon Bavi, while severe, was less extensive than that of Sinkalu, a previous super typhoon that swept through the region in April. This comparison highlights the recurring threat of severe weather to these islands and the need for robust disaster preparedness and response mechanisms.
