After the devastating impact of Typhoon Mawar on 24th May, U.S. Coast Guard working to restore services. The initial damage assessment shows a broad impact on the maritime resources.
As explained, the storm hit the U.S. island with winds over 100 mph and dropped a reported two feet of rain.
The USCG advises that the port in Guam is closed and will remain in Port Heavy Weather Condition Zulu until crews complete further assessments. The Captain of the Port anticipates reopening the ports in Saipan and Tinian within 24 hours, pending the confirmation of aids to navigation (ATON) and a more favorable sea state.
Furthemore, USCG reports while there may be some damage to the Mobile Pier facility, responders can confirm the valves are shut, eliminating any immediate fire hazards.
As informed, two tug crews abandoned the ship during the storm as they took on water. Other nearby tug crews rescued them.
In addition, Rescue 21 Search and Rescue towers on Guam are temporarily out of service. It is currently unclear whether the damage is permanent or if it is due to power issues.
As Guam works to begin to recover from the storm, cautions are now going up for the Philippines and Taiwan. Mawar continues to grow in strength officially being declared a Super Typhoon and one of the top five storms ever during May.
“Super” Typhoon Mawar intensified quite a bit as it moved west of Guam, but trailing rain bands linger nearby. Rainfall has been quite heavy, with several sites measuring over 20″/508 mm of rainfall. At Dededo, much of it fell in 3 hours, with 5″+ an hour rain totals. pic.twitter.com/3SQ01gS25V
— NWS Weather Prediction Center (@NWSWPC) May 25, 2023
