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Residents of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands rushed to complete emergency preparations on Sunday as Super Typhoon Bavi approached the US Pacific territories.
The US National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the storm, expected to pass through the region on Monday, could bring sustained winds of about 260 kilometres per hour and gusts reaching 315 km/h, making it equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane.
The weather agency described Bavi as a “very dangerous” system and warned of tropical storm-force winds from Sunday, alongside catastrophic damage near the typhoon’s centre.
“Significant flooding from torrential rains, and coastal inundation are expected,” the NWS said, with projected waves of up to 35 feet (10.7 meters), the height of a 10-storey building, creating extremely dangerous conditions at sea.
Heavy rain and strong winds had already begun affecting Guam on Sunday, with many residents boarding up homes and businesses while others sought refuge in emergency evacuation centres.
Local business owner Pinky Cubacub said she had purchased plywood in advance to protect her restaurant, expressing concern that another prolonged closure would threaten her livelihood since the business was still in its early stages.
“I cannot afford to lose so many days. It hurts,” she told AFP. “Because I just started, whatever we’re making right now is just for rent, utilities, and my people, and supplies. I don’t even pay myself yet,” Cubacub said.
Another resident, Arabella Paulino, said although her children were frightened by the approaching storm, she remained hopeful her concrete home would withstand its impact.
Some travellers also found themselves stranded after flights were cancelled because of the worsening weather, while a handful of surfers took advantage of the rough seas despite floating debris and dangerous surf conditions.
Authorities in the Northern Marianas, which has a population of about 40,000, and neighbouring Guam, home to roughly 170,000 people, urged residents to evacuate vulnerable areas and remain indoors.
Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog appealed for unity and caution, urging residents to take all necessary precautions and to pray for the safety of the community.
“By working together and taking the necessary precautions, we can help protect our families, neighbors and community. We pray for the safety of our people,” Hocog said.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) said emergency response teams had already been deployed to Guam, where relief supplies, including drinking water, meals, cots and generators, had been pre-positioned.
The NWS warned that the opportunity to evacuate or seek safe shelter was rapidly closing, prompting Guam authorities to open five evacuation centres with space for about 1,900 people.
Officials said emergency preparedness had improved significantly following the devastation caused by Super Typhoon Mawar in 2023 and Super Typhoon Sinlaku earlier this year, noting that lessons learned had strengthened disaster response, particularly in restoring electricity, water supply and other essential services.
The approaching storm comes as scientists warn that warming ocean temperatures continue to fuel stronger tropical cyclones.
