By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
AS of noon Monday, 166 residents had taken shelter at Kagman High School, Marianas High School, Koblerville Elementary School, and the Office on Aging as Super Typhoon Sinlaku moves toward the Marianas. Its closest approach is expected between Monday evening and Wednesday morning.
Sinlaku is a Kosraean name referring to a goddess of nature and breadfruit.
Office on Aging Director Walter Manglona said 23 people were sheltering at the Manamko’ Center as of 11 a.m.
“The shelter at the Office on Aging is primarily for those with underlying health conditions, people with disabilities and elderly residents in need of shelter during the typhoon,” he said.
At Kagman High School, staff member Ansen Jones said about 40 individuals — roughly eight families — were sheltering there. The school’s capacity is 50. Jones said a secondary shelter will open once capacity is reached, with CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management to issue a notice.
At Koblerville Elementary School, 46 residents were sheltering as of midday. A staff member who requested anonymity said more are expected as some residents remain undecided about leaving their homes. KoES can accommodate up to 418 people.
A school official at Marianas High School declined to provide numbers and referred inquiries to the Public School System central office. Variety later confirmed that 57 residents were sheltering at MHS, which has a capacity of 80.
CNMI Homeland Security and Emergency Management has not yet released official consolidated shelter numbers.
Around 11:30 a.m. in Kagman, Commonwealth Utilities Corporation crews were seen repairing power lines after overgrown tree branches caused damage in the area. Officers from the Department of Public Safety assisted in directing traffic as crews worked to restore service.
Across the island, business establishments and homeowners were seen boarding up storefronts and homes, securing windows and entryways as winds strengthened throughout the day. Many residents used plywood, metal shutters and improvised barriers to protect their properties ahead of Sinlaku’s arrival.
President Donald Trump approved an emergency declaration for the CNMI early Monday at the request of Gov. David Apatang. The approval was announced shortly after midnight by Delegate Kimberly King-Hinds.
Under the Stafford Act, an emergency declaration authorizes the Federal Emergency Management Agency to mobilize personnel, equipment and resources ahead of the storm. It allows FEMA to provide emergency protective measures, coordinate federal support and pre-position assets in the Commonwealth before, during and after Sinlaku’s passage.
King-Hinds said the declaration “unlocks federal resources” and urged residents to prepare and follow official guidance.
Before noon, Governor Apatang said he would declare Typhoon Condition I for Saipan, Tinian and Rota, and Tropical Storm Condition I for Pagan and Alamagan at 2 p.m.
Typhoon Condition I means damaging winds of 74 mph or more are expected within 12 hours. Tropical Storm Condition I means winds of 39 mph or more are possible within 12 hours.
Apatang urged residents to take immediate precautions.
“Based on the most recent advisories, I urge all residents to complete their final storm preparations at this time,” he said. “If you reside in a structure that may not withstand strong winds, please take proactive steps to seek safer shelter.”
He also advised residents to stay off roadways unless absolutely necessary and to avoid shorelines due to hazardous surf and rapidly deteriorating conditions.
“Your cooperation and vigilance are essential as we work together to ensure the safety and well-being of our entire community,” he said.
According to the National Weather Service Guam, Super Typhoon Sinlaku (04W) continues moving northwest toward the Marianas and away from Chuuk State. Intense showers, thunderstorms and strong winds persist over the far outer islands of northwest Chuuk, especially Ulul, with heavy bands still affecting Fananu.
The latest Joint Typhoon Warning Center track shows a slight southward shift, with Sinlaku expected to pass north of Rota and near or over Tinian and Saipan. The system is forecast to gradually weaken but is still expected to cross the Marianas as a Category 4 or 5 typhoon.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
