With the islandwide power grid nearly fully restored and water service active for almost all customer accounts, the Government of Guam has pivoted to long-term economic recovery and began launching formal residential damage assessments to secure federal disaster aid following Super Typhoon Bavi.
According to the latest Guam Power Authority Final Daily Power System Status Restoration Release, GPA has achieved 99% system load restoration. This represents day eight of recovery since reaching Condition of Readiness four. GPA officials stated that the agency is concluding its daily restoration updates as crews address isolated outages across northern, central, and southern sectors.
Crews are currently resolving power failures, voltage fluctuations, and single-phasing issues while completing emergency work clearances. GPA officials indicated that once this third phase of restoration concludes, the agency will begin its fourth phase to address streetlight repairs and remaining power quality issues. Customer service support lines remain open from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily to assist businesses and residents.
Complementing the energy recovery, the latest Guam Waterworks Authority Water Restoration Efforts Release outlines substantial progress in stabilizing the island's water distribution network. GWA reported that approximately 499 customers out of 43,643 active accounts remain without water.
GWA has maintained 95 wells online, including 92 on the islandwide power system and three running on auxiliary generator power. GWA has achieved 100% of booster pump stations online, and all wastewater treatment plants are operational, with 98% of sewer pump stations currently active.
All 112 water samples collected between July 07 and July 14 have cleared safety tests. To assist remaining affected communities, GWA has staged nine water tankers in areas like Barrigada, Chalan Pago-Ordot, Dededo, Mangilao, Talofofo, and Yigo. A Precautionary Boil Water Notice remains in effect for customers experiencing water loss for 48 hours or more, requiring them to boil water for three minutes before use. GWA officials urged compliance with mandatory water conservation mandates, noting that inspectors are actively visiting properties to enforce bans on vehicle and pressure washing.
To address residential and structural impacts, the latest Joint Information Center Recovery Releases detail the launch of the territory's Individual Assistance Initial Damage Assessment. The Guam Recovery Office will lead the assessment from Thursday, July 16, to Friday, July 24, to document damage to primary residences.
The Guam Recovery Office emphasized that self-reporting is a critical planning tool but does not guarantee the approval of federal aid, noting that as of July, individual assistance has not yet been approved. Residents are encouraged to report damages directly to the office via email at ia.gro@ghs.guam.gov or by calling (671) 478-7666 or (671) 478-7668 during normal business hours.
Additional recovery efforts continue across the island to support displaced residents and manage storm debris. The American Red Cross is coordinating services at the territory's first Tier II shelter at the Chalan Pago-Ordot Community Center gym, which reported an overnight census of 204 adults and children. To accommodate additional residents, a second Tier II shelter opened at the Astumbo gym in Dededo, operated by the Red Cross in collaboration with the Department of Public Health and Social Services and the Guam Police Department.
DPHSS reported that structural damage to senior citizen centers in Tamuning and Dededo has reduced standard operations, shifting services to grab-and-go meals instead of on-premises feeding, though local child care facilities remain open.
For debris management, the GovGuam announced that disposal sites at Ypao Point in Tamuning and Tiyan will officially close on Thursday, July 23, at 4:30 p.m. The Ypao Point site continues to accept green waste and construction debris, while the Tiyan site accepts green waste only, with both operating from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily.
Meanwhile, cleanup efforts supported by the summer youth employment program have enabled the reopening of Angel Santos Memorial Park in Hagåtña and portions of Governor Joseph Flores Memorial Park in Tamuning. mbj
