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🇳🇿 New Zealand /Disasters & Emergencies

Super Typhoon Bavi spares Northern Mariana Islands of injuries as recovery begins

From RNZ Pacific · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Super Typhoon Bavi caused widespread damage across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands but resulted in no reported injuries or fatalities.
  • Rota, which took a direct hit from the Category 5 storm, has begun recovery efforts, with emergency personnel on standby and road crews clearing access routes.
  • Authorities are urging residents to remain sheltered until an all-clear is issued, with power outages and boil water notices in effect for several islands.

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) is beginning its recovery after Super Typhoon Bavi swept through the region, leaving a trail of destruction but thankfully no reported injuries or fatalities. Authorities are preparing for comprehensive damage assessments once the "all-clear" is given.

The safety of our people are of utmost priority.

— Rota Mayor Aubry HocogEmphasizing the focus on resident safety during and after the typhoon.

Rota, an island that endured the direct impact of the Category 5 storm, is leading the recovery efforts. Officials described Bavi as one of the most powerful typhoons to strike the island in recent memory. Emergency personnel remained on standby throughout the storm, and road crews have already started clearing access routes for responders. Despite widespread damage, Rota Mayor Aubry Hocog confirmed no injuries or deaths have been reported.

Juan Pan Guerrero, president of the Rota Chamber of Commerce, noted that Bavi compounded the damage already inflicted by Super Typhoon Sinlaku just two months prior. "This is a very aggressive storm. What Sinlaku didn't break down, I think this one pretty much took care of all the loose ends," he commented.

This is a very aggressive storm. What Sinlaku didn't break down, I think this one pretty much took care of all the loose ends.

— Juan Pan GuerreroPresident of the Rota Chamber of Commerce, describing the impact of Typhoon Bavi following Typhoon Sinlaku.

On neighboring Tinian, Mayor Edwin Aldan indicated that initial reports suggest the island avoided the worst of the storm, with only scattered damage. However, power and water services remain disrupted. Saipan and Tinian experienced conditions closer to a Category 1 typhoon, according to the National Weather Service Guam, though residents are still advised to stay indoors until conditions are safe.

Rota took the full brunt of this Category 5 Super Typhoon Bavi.

— Brandon AydlettMeteorologist with the National Weather Service Guam, detailing the storm's impact on Rota.

Across the CNMI, nearly 500 people are staying in emergency shelters. Island-wide power outages affected all customers on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, with restoration work expected to begin Tuesday. Boil water notices are also in effect for Saipan and Rota. Commercial airports remain open, but all passenger flights have been canceled, with airlines suspending service until further notice.

My heart pulls out for the people on Rota.

— Tinian Mayor Edwin AldanExpressing sympathy for the residents of Rota who experienced the direct impact of the typhoon.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by RNZ Pacific in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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