Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the strongest tropical storm of the year, is set to impact the Northern Mariana Islands with wind gusts reaching up to 220 mph and sustained winds of 180 mph, according to an April 14 report. The storm is expected to bring severe weather conditions and heavy rainfall to Rota, Tinian, Saipan, and nearby Guam.
The approaching typhoon raises concerns for the safety of approximately 50,000 American citizens living on these remote islands. In addition to high winds predicted to decrease slightly upon landfall, some areas could see up to 20 inches of rain in the coming days. Guam is also under a tropical storm warning as part of this system.
Saipan resident Glen Hunter described ongoing recovery challenges following previous disasters. “We’re remote, beautiful islands in the Pacific, which is a plus, but in times of recovery it becomes a massive negative to getting things into our damaged ports,” Hunter told the Associated Press. He noted that Saipan had struggled after Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018 and then faced further setbacks from the coronavirus pandemic.
Officials warn that Sinlaku could disrupt essential services such as water and electricity for weeks or months if infrastructure is severely damaged. Storms like this often cause flash flooding and landslides that can damage homes and natural environments by contributing to erosion along coastlines and reefs.
To prepare for Sinlaku’s arrival, shelters have opened across affected areas for residents unable to shelter safely at home. The federal government has approved emergency disaster declarations ahead of time. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is deploying around 100 staff members along with other federal agencies despite current funding concerns affecting FEMA’s disaster relief fund.
“We are ready to respond to this event,” FEMA regional administrator Robert Fenton said.
