Residents of Guam rushed to prepare themselves for a potentially deadly typhoon. President Joe Biden issued an emergency declaration to mobilize resources on Tuesday.
According to Guam’s Homeland Security department, Super Typhoon Mawar will be a triple threat, with torrential rainfall, a life-threatening storm-surge and Category 4-force winds.
The department stated that “this is a very grave situation, with conditions steadily worsening.”
The National Weather Service stated that the storm would hit southern Guam at midday on Wednesday. This is Tuesday evening for the United States. Guam is located west of the International Date Line, and nearly a full day ahead of U.S. continental land.
Mawar’s inner core is expected to pass over the island in a powerful storm of Category 4 or 5.
The storm’s speed is just 6 mph, which makes it even worse. Slow, intense cyclones are the worst case scenario for any population center.
The current maximum wind speed is 140 mph, with an estimated wave height of 46 feet. Mawar intensified rapidly overnight, with maximum wind gusts rising by 50 mph in 18 hours.
Storm surges can reach 20 feet higher than normal high tide in areas most vulnerable to storms. Gusts near the eyewall could reach 190 mph. According to the Weather Service, typhoon-force winds can extend 35 miles away from the center of the storm, while tropical force winds can extend 100 miles further.
After the storm, it is possible that power outages and water shortages will last for days, or even weeks. According to the homeland security of the island, flights were cancelled from Tuesday through Wednesday.
Luis Zamora is an electrical engineering who is frequently visiting the island for his work in the U.S. Military. He is currently hunkering at a hotel along with his colleagues. He was supposed to depart on Thursday but was notified by United Airlines Tuesday that his flight had been cancelled.
Zamora stated that “overnight you can see the difference.” “You can definitely hear it stronger… and you can even see the trees moving.”
Zamora, originally from Florida, has prepared for the hurricane in much the same way: by filling his bathtub with water, charging all of his electronic devices before a power outage, and storing non-perishable food. Zamora also has confidence in the staff of his hotel, Dusit Beach Resort. They have assured him that they are prepared with emergency food and plans.
Zamora stated, “I believe Guam is far ahead in terms of storm preparedness.” “It is just that the outcome of the storm is something you cannot really prepare for.”
Zamora, his colleagues and the airport are all within a 10-minute driving distance. However, it is unclear when they will be able to return home once the storm has passed.
It’s just a question of how much damage it will cause and when everything can be up and running again?
Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has signed an executive directive that mandates evacuations in low-lying regions and mobilizes the National Guard to help people get to shelters. Guerrero wrote to Biden to warn that the typhoon will cause “substantial damage to our island.”
In a letter posted on Instagram, Guerrero wrote: “I expect that this situation will have such severity that an effective response would be beyond the capabilities of the Government of Guam. Additional federal assistance will then be required to save lives, protect property, ensure public safety, and mitigate the effects this imminent disaster.”
Guerrero, in an address posted on YouTube, urged people to take the necessary precautions to prepare and stay inside.
Guerrero stated, “It’s been a long time since we had a storm this size and it is terrifying.” “I urge you to stay calm, keep informed and, most importantly, prepare.”
Janhvi Bhojwani, The Associated Press and The Associated Press all contributed.
