Roundup of Typhoon Bolaven

After a 9 p.m. Oct. 10 announcement of a return to Condition of Readiness 4, Guam residents took to the road early the morning of Oct. 11 to open their businesses and head for work as the island entered COR 4 officially at 10 a.m. Government employees also returned to work to prepare for a 10 a.m. start.

While Oct. 10 saw wind, rain and some flooding, the island was spared major damage. The Northern Mariana Islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota were due to remain in COR 1 until 5 p.m. on Oct. 11, with the Office of the Governor announcing “cancellation of storm conditions” for 2 p.m. Mobil Oil Marianas Inc. advised that seven of its 10 stations in Saipan had reopened.

The Northern Islands of the NMI remained in Typhoon Condition 1 as of Oct. 11 as Gov. Arnold I. Palacios and Mayor Aubry Hocog did an aerial tour of Rota, which felt the full brunt of the Category 1 typhoon. By 5 p.m., the Palacios declared the "All Clear" for Saipan, Tinian and Rota. The governor's office also noted that even with the return to normal operations more rain and wind is expected as Bolaven makes its way northwest. "Flood risks are also possible with continued rainfall. Residents are encouraged to be extra cautious when driving to avoid flooded roads, road damage (including potholes), and debris hazards. The CNMI Office of the Governor and CNMI HSEM will continue to monitor the storm and consult with the National Weather Service and other agencies; updates will be provided when available and when appropriate." 

The U.S. Coast Guard Forces Micronesia/Sector Guam announced Oct. 11 the re-opening of the ports of Guam, Rota, and Saipan. Damage assessments are being made in Tinian. The Coast Guard’s three fast response cutters were on their way back from Yap to their homeport of Guam.

The Port Authority of Guam, and the Hagat and Hagatna marinas reopened at noon on Oct. 11 and the Port was expecting Matson Navigation Co’s Lurline that afternoon. Two of the Port’s three gantry cranes were returned to service Oct. 11, Port officials said.

Nine flights into Guam were canceled on Oct. 10 according to the A.B. Won Pat International Airport, Guam. United Airlines announced that flights between Guam and the Francisco C. Ada/Saipan International Airport were postponed until the evening of Oct. 11.

As Typhoon Bolaven passes the Mariana Islands, it is anticipated to become a Category 5 typhoon with about 200 miles per hour wind speed in the next two days.