Emergency evacuations are underway in Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands as Super Typhoon Bavi approaches the U.S. Pacific territories. The storm is forecast to make landfall early Monday morning with sustained winds of up to 257 km/h (160 mph), according to the U.S. National Weather Service (NWS). The agency has warned of “catastrophic” damage, significant flooding from torrential rains, and waves potentially reaching nearly 11 meters (35 feet) high on Monday.
Storm Path and Timing
Bavi is expected to pass directly over Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands by Monday afternoon. However, the NWS cautioned that destructive conditions could persist for eight to 10 hours before and after the storm’s center arrives. “The window is rapidly closing to evacuate if directed to do so by local officials, or if your home is vulnerable to high winds or flooding,” the agency stated, adding that winds “will pose a deadly threat to those venturing outside.”
Evacuation Centers and Capacity
Guam, a sun-soaked tourist destination with a population of about 170,000, has opened five evacuation centers in its schools. These sites have a maximum capacity of approximately 1,700 people and are primarily intended for vulnerable individuals. The island’s civil defense office reported at 13:00 local time (03:00 GMT) on Sunday that one evacuation site had already reached maximum capacity, and people were being redirected to another location.
Climate Context
The western Pacific region is particularly prone to tropical cyclones. While storms of this strength are unusual for the U.S. islands, scientists note that climate change is making powerful typhoons more common. The NWS continues to monitor the situation closely, urging residents to heed evacuation orders and take necessary precautions.
