Super Typhoon Bavi Hits US Pacific Territories, Causing Damage in Guam and Elsewhere, No Casualties Reported Yet

GUAM, Agana (CNA) - After the "super typhoon" Bavi, with destructive power equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, swept through the US Pacific territories, authorities in the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam reported widespread damage today, including fallen trees and damaged power lines. However, there have been no reports of casualties so far.

According to Agence France-Presse, as of this evening, no casualties have been reported locally. However, due to adverse weather conditions hindering post-disaster cleanup operations, the full extent of the damage is yet to be clarified.

The most severely affected area is Rota, the southernmost island of the Northern Mariana Islands. The island was directly hit by "super typhoon" Bavi this morning, with maximum sustained winds reaching 290 kilometers per hour, causing power outages, water disruptions, and communication failures for many of the island's 1,500 residents.

Lou Rosario, a spokesperson for the Rota Municipal Operations Center, stated that reports of "significant damage" have been received.

Juan Pan Guerrero, chairman of the Rota Chamber of Commerce, pointed out, "Many telephone and power lines have fallen. I believe this is a very serious storm disaster."

Guerrero added, "Our power and communication have been out for nearly 8 hours."

The US National Weather Service had previously warned that if Bavi made a direct hit, it could render large parts of Rota "uninhabitable for weeks or even longer."

National Weather Service meteorologist Marcus Landon Aydlett said that Tinian, northern Guam, and southern Saipan also experienced strong winds equivalent to a Category 1 hurricane.

In Guam, Agence France-Presse reporters witnessed fallen trees, toppled streetlights, roads littered with debris, and at least one car overturned by the strong winds.

Guam authorities stated that approximately 10 major roads are impassable due to flooding, fallen trees, damaged utility lines, rockfalls, and other storm-related damage.

The Joint Information Center urged the public: "Please do not go out. Any additional vehicles on the road will hinder the work of rescue personnel and delay road clearing." The center also warned, "The danger has not yet passed." (Compiled by Hong Pei-ying) 1150706

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