Guam is a U.S. territory located in the western Pacific Ocean, and it is prone to typhoons due to its geographical location. Typhoons are powerful tropical cyclones that bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and flooding. They can cause significant damage to infrastructure, homes, and vegetation and pose risks to human safety.
When a typhoon is approaching or affecting Guam, Staying informed about the latest updates is of utmost importance, as following the guidance of local authorities and emergency management agencies. They will provide instructions regarding evacuation orders, shelter locations, and other safety measures.
It’sIt’s essential to be prepared for a typhoon by having an emergency plan and assembling an emergency kit with basic supplies such as food, water, medications, flashlights, batteries, and a portable radio. Secure loose items outside your home, trim trees and branches that could cause damage, and reinforce doors and windows if possible.
During the typhoon, staying indoors and away from windows is recommended. Listen to local news updates and be aware of any warnings or advisories issued by the authorities. Avoid unnecessary travel and low-lying areas, as they can be prone to flooding.
Exercise caution when venturing outside after the typhoon has passed, as there may be downed power lines, debris, or other hazards. Assess any damage to your property and report it to the appropriate authorities or insurance providers. Be mindful of the potential for secondary hazards such as landslides or contaminated water sources.
Remember, this information is general, and it’s always best to rely on local authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information during a typhoon. Take care, and I hope the situation will improve soon.
Typhoon Malakas landed on Guam on June 8, 2023, as a Category 1 storm with 100 miles per hour winds. The storm caused widespread damage on the island, including power outages, flooding, and structural damage.
The typhoon landed around 11:00 AM local time and quickly moved across the island. Strong winds reaching 120 miles per hour and heavy rainfall resulted in extensive flooding. The storm also spawned several tornadoes, which caused additional damage.
The storm knocked out power to more than 90% of the island and disrupted water service. Several roads were impassable due to flooding, and there were reports of landslides in some areas.
The storm also caused structural damage to buildings and homes. Several schools and businesses were closed, and the airport was temporarily closed.
Fortunately, no reports of fatalities or severe injuries resulted from the storm. However, several people were treated for minor injuries.
The typhoon is expected to weaken as it moves away from Guam. However, it is still expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the Mariana Islands and the Philippines.
Here are some tips for staying safe during a typhoon:
- Stay indoors and away from windows.
- Make sure you wear protective gear such as a helmet and goggles if you must go outside.
- Secure loose objects around your home, such as furniture and outdoor equipment.
- Bring your pets indoors.
- It’s essential to watch local news and weather reports for updates to stay informed on the storm.
If you are in an area under a typhoon warning, it is essential to take precautions to stay safe. These tips can assist you in ensuring your family’s safety and your own.
Update:
As of June 9, 2023, Typhoon Malakas has weakened to a tropical storm. However, it is still expected to bring heavy rains and strong winds to the Mariana Islands and the Philippines.
The following are the latest advisories for Typhoon Malakas:
- Mariana Islands: A tropical storm warning is in effect for Rota, Tinian, and Saipan. Guam is under a tropical storm watch.
- Philippines: A tropical storm warning is in effect for the Batanes and Babuyan Islands. Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao are currently under a tropical storm watch.
Here are some of the impacts of Typhoon Chaba on Guam:
- Heavy rain and flooding: The typhoon brought heavy rain to Guam, which caused flooding in some areas.
- Strong winds and power outages: The typhoon also brought strong winds, which caused power outages in some areas.
- Damage to property and infrastructure: The typhoon caused damage to property and infrastructure, including homes, businesses, and roads.
- Hazardous sea conditions: The typhoon also caused dangerous sea conditions, which made it difficult for ships and boats to operate.
- Flight cancellations: The typhoon caused flight cancellations at the Guam International Airport.
- Travel disruptions: The typhoon also caused travel disruptions, as roads were closed and some businesses were closed.
The department responsible for homeland security and civil defence in Guam is the Guam Department of Homeland Security, and Civil Defense is working to assess the damage and restore power and other services. Residents are advised to stay informed of the latest updates and follow instructions from local officials.
”Life-threatening” floods from rain and storm surge possible
Mawar threatens “torrential rains that may result in landslides and flash flooding, catastrophic wind, and life-threatening storm surge,” the weather service said Wednesday morning.
Mawar’s slow forward pace of about eight mph could exacerbate the impacts of wind and bring more significant amounts of rainfall to the island than a faster-moving storm.
The weather service said the storm could bring between 15 to 20 inches of rain, possibly even higher local amounts. The downpour will likely trigger landslides, overflow rivers and streams and bring flooding to areas that don’tdon’t usually see such events.
Shelters start to fill in Guam.
Authorities on the island territory warned anyone not living in a fully concrete house — some homes are made of wood and tin — to head to safety elsewhere, and emergency shelters began to fill as residents braced for the arrival of Mawar. Leon Guerrero also ordered coastal, low-lying, and flood-prone residents to evacuate to high elevations.
Landon Aydlett, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Guam, said the typhoon’styphoon’s centre was about 75 miles southeast of the island and was moving north-northwest by late morning time on Wednesday.
As rain from the storm’sstorm’s outer bands fell over the island, Mawar had maximum sustained winds of 140 mph with gusts peaking at 170 mph, Aydlett said.
Strongest storm in decades
The storm is “one that will remember for decades,” said Landon Aydlett, the warning coordination meteorologist for the weather service in Guam.
Mawar is the strongest storm to impact Guam – home to about 150,000 people and several U.S. military installations – in decades. According to the weather service, Super Typhoon Pongsona hit Guam in 2002 with sustained winds of 144 miles per hour and gusts of 173 mph.
Super Typhoon Karen, widely regarded as the worst storm to ever hit the island, struck in 1962 with sustained winds of 172 mph.
