The super typhoon Bavi left destruction on Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands when it crossed the western Pacific Ocean as one of the most destructive storms during the year.

The typhoon’s eye was centered at Rota, where it caused roof destruction to houses, uprooting of trees, and damage to electricity facilities. Damage reports from the local authorities followed soon after, as the storm left the area, where emergency personnel started clearing the roadways and inspecting the damage areas.

Strong winds, rainfall, and floods have been reported at Guam, Saipan, and Tinian. There has been disruption in electricity services and communication systems, along with closings of schools, government agencies, and businesses. The shelters have been operational for those whose residences have suffered damage.

There had been recovery operations on the islands from the super typhoon Sinlaku that had hit the region earlier in the year. There had been pre-stocking of emergency materials in the vulnerable regions after forecasting the development of the storm system in the Pacific.

The meteorologists claim that unusually high sea surface temperatures contributed to the intensification of the hurricane. In addition, the World Meteorological Organization has confirmed the development of El Niño in the tropical Pacific Ocean. According to weather experts, warmer seas provide extra heat and moisture that might increase the strength of a tropical cyclone; however, it is impossible to establish a connection between a particular hurricane and climate change.

Hurricane Bavi has become less powerful after its passage through the Mariana Islands and has continued its movement in a westward direction towards Taiwan and Eastern China. The weather services in those areas gave alerts regarding the expected heavy rains, floods, and strong winds due to this hurricane.

The damage assessment work continues on Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands. Restoration of power, cleaning up of debris, and inspection of the infrastructure are being conducted.