Super Typhoon Sinlaku Strikes Northern Mariana Islands as Strongest Cyclone of the Year
Super Typhoon Sinlaku has unleashed havoc across the Northern Mariana Islands, with local officials reporting severe damage including flipped cars, toppled utility poles, and torn-off tin roofs. The storm, which is the most powerful tropical cyclone recorded globally this year, made landfall on Tuesday night local time and continued its assault with fierce winds and relentless rains into Wednesday.
Widespread Power Outages and Road Closures in Saipan
According to authorities, power was completely out and numerous roads were rendered impassable in Saipan, the largest island in the Mariana Islands and a U.S. territory with a population of approximately 43,000 people. The storm also impacted Guam, another U.S. territory that hosts several military bases, with tropical force winds causing additional disruptions.
Intense Winds and Ongoing Assessments
The National Weather Service indicated that Sinlaku packed sustained winds of up to 150 mph (240 kph) upon landfall. Even as it moved away to the north late Wednesday night, the typhoon maintained winds of 125 mph (200 kph), affecting islands such as Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Preliminary damage assessments reveal extensive flooding, uprooted trees, and downed power lines, though fortunately, there have been no reports of fatalities.
Resident Accounts and Shelter Operations
Jaden Sanchez, a spokesperson for the Saipan mayor's office, noted that conditions improved slightly after 24 hours, but the area remained windy and rainy. Images from Saipan depict residential areas strewn with debris and mangled trees, with winds strong enough to crumble metal bleachers at a sports field. Resident Dong Min Lee captured video showing a car perched atop two others in a parking lot, and part of his balcony railing was torn away by the storm.
The American Red Cross, along with its partners, is currently sheltering more than 1,000 residents across Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, according to agency spokesperson Stephanie Fox. As Sinlaku curves toward sparsely populated volcanic islands in the far northern Marianas, recovery efforts are just beginning amidst the challenging aftermath.
