No injuries or fatalities have been reported across the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) after Super Typhoon Bavi tore through the territory, with authorities preparing to begin comprehensive damage assessments once the all-clear is issued.
The CNMI Joint Information Center said late Monday that Saipan, Tinian, and Rota remained under Typhoon Condition 1, with a shelter-in-place order still in effect as hazardous conditions persisted despite the storm moving away from the Marianas.
Rota, which took the direct hit from the Category 5 storm, was beginning its recovery effort after enduring what officials described as one of the strongest typhoons to strike the island in recent memory.
Rota mayor Aubry Hocog said emergency personnel remained on standby throughout the storm and would begin checking on residents, clearing blocked roads and assessing damage once governor David Apatang gives the all-clear.
“The safety of our people are of utmost priority.”
Rota senator Donald Manglona said road crews had already begun clearing access routes for emergency responders, while noting there had been no reports of injuries or fatalities despite widespread damage.
Municipal Operations Center public information officer Lou Rosario said officials had already received reports of major damage across the island but urged residents to remain indoors until conditions improve.
“Some people already reporting major damages.”
Rota Chamber of Commerce president Juan Pan Guerrero said Bavi compounded the destruction left by Super Typhoon Sinlaku just two months ago.
“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.”
The National Weather Service Guam said Rota bore the full force of the cyclone.
“Rota took the full brunt of this Category 5 Super Typhoon Bavi,” meteorologist Brandon Aydlett said.
He said Saipan and Tinian generally experienced Category 1 typhoon conditions but warned residents not to venture outside until authorities issue the all-clear.
On neighbouring Tinian, Mayor Edwin Aldan said initial reports suggested the island escaped the worst of the storm, with only scattered damage, although power remained out while water service continued.
“My heart pulls out for the people on Rota.”
The Joint Information Center said nearly 500 people remained in emergency shelters across the Commonwealth.
Island-wide power outages affected all customers on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, while restoration work was expected to begin on Tuesday after initial damage assessments. Boil water notices remained in effect for Saipan and Rota.
Authorities continued to urge residents to remain sheltered until hazardous conditions subside and the all-clear is officially declared.
Commercial airports on Saipan, Tinian, and Rota remained open but all passenger flights were cancelled.
United Airlines cancelled flights through 7 July, Jeju Air suspended service until further notice, while Star Marianas Air, Micronesian Air Cargo, and other commuter operators also suspended flights. All three seaports remained closed.
The Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation said its Saipan outpatient pharmacy would reopen from 8am to 5pm Tuesday, while the Family Care Clinic, hemodialysis unit, laboratory, radiology and physical therapy services would resume later in the day. Children’s and Women’s Clinic reopening schedules will be announced separately.
