Typhoon Sinlaku Hits Tinian and Saipan
Typhoon Sinlaku struck Tinian and Saipan early Wednesday with sustained winds reaching 150 mph. Glen Hunter, a Saipan resident, watched at least three tin roofs tear from nearby structures and fly past his yard. The storm's heavy rain flooded houses on the islands, seeping into every crevice of concrete homes like Hunter's.
Damage from Ferocious Winds and Flooding
The National Weather Service reported that Sinlaku's winds reached 150 mph as trees toppled and wooden structures collapsed across Saipan. Mayor Ramon "RB" Jose Blas Camacho described objects flying left and right as rescue efforts stalled due to the heavy wind and rain. Saipan, home to nearly 50,000 people, faced extensive flooding that turned roads into rivers.
Impacts on Guam's Infrastructure and Residents
Tropical force winds brought flash flooding to Guam. Wind gusts peaked at 88 mph on Tuesday night. The Guam Department of Education closed schools on Tuesday and Wednesday, affecting families across the island. U.S. military officials ordered personnel to shelter in place on bases that cover about one-third of Guam's land.
Quotes from Affected Residents and Officials
Glen Hunter, who has endured multiple typhoons, called this the strongest yet and said rain overwhelmed his home in a losing battle. Mayor Camacho told reporters that the storm was "hitting us hard" and made rescues difficult amid flying debris. Hunter noted that anything made of wood and tin likely did not survive the onslaught.
Weakening Path and Forecast
Sinlaku's maximum sustained winds dropped to 130 mph by 11 a.m. Wednesday as it began tracking north toward volcanic islands like Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan. The National Weather Service forecasted continued weakening through the week, with the storm passing west of those islands. Typhoon warnings stayed in effect for Rota, Tinian, Saipan, Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan as of Tuesday evening.
Human Toll and Recovery Efforts
President Trump approved emergency disaster declarations for Guam and the Mariana Islands on Sunday, deploying nearly 100 FEMA staff for support. Saipan residents, still recovering from Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018, faced new setbacks to their tourism-dependent economy. Galvin Deleon Guerrero, president of Northern Marianas College, reported that Yutu destroyed 85% of the campus, and this storm adds to ongoing struggles for the Chamorro people.
The sources also report that consistent wind gusts between 70 and 80 mph were recorded through the night on Guam, in addition to the 88 mph peak.