THE Northern Marianas and Guam are bracing for an approaching tropical storm that reportedly caused mud slides in Chuuk, killing up to 10 people, according to an unconfirmed report from Bermin’s News Network.
Tropical storm Chataan has also resulted in floodwaters and power outages in Weno, the capital of Chuuk, BNN said.
Rudolfo M. Pua, director of the CNMI Emergency Management Office, yesterday said Saipan could be under typhoon condition tomorrow, the 4th of July.
Pua, in an interview with Variety, urged residents, mariners and beachgoers to exercise caution because of hazardous surf on exposed reefs and large ocean swells.
“According to the weather forecast, there would be increased winds, heavy showers or thunderstorms and very rough sea conditions are possible on Independence Day as tropical storm Chataan approaches the islands,” Pua said.
Residents should start making the necessary typhoon preparations, he added.
“By now, you should be preparing for the typhoon heading our way. Make sure you stock up on goods, prepare flashlights and batteries––anything loose in your house should be tied down,” said Pua.
EMO, in conjunction with the National Weather Service on Guam, forecast winds of 15 to 25 miles per hour with gusts to 35 mph by Wednesday.
Weather authorities also forecast cloudy, windy and numerous showers on the 4th of July.
Pua said the weather could get better by Saturday.
Tasi Tours and Transportation, Inc.—which operates ferries going to and from Managaha Island—is also closely monitoring the weather condition.
Tomohiko Nishita, manager of Tasi Tours sales, said the special dinner ferry trip to Managaha on Tuesday night was canceled due to the large ocean swells. (See related story on page 6)
As of yesterday, however, all the daylight ferry trips to Managaha were still under normal operations.
David Igitol, president of Tasi Tours, said the company would suspend all the trips to Managaha if the weather gets worse.
As of 1:30 p.m. yesterday, Chataan was centered east of Chuuk, moving west-northwest at 12 mph with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph.
Typhoon Rammasu was centered yesterday afternoon northeast of the Philippines, according to NWS.
BNN said Chuuk had up to 26 inches of rain since Sunday.
“Continental Micronesia has overflown Chuuk since Sunday when the storm went into typhoon Chataan, which has been causing weather havoc for southwest Pohnpei, Chuuk and Guam. Surprisingly, at this writing, at least in Kolonia, Pohnpei, it’s the first day in several days without some rain,” BNN said yesterday.
