By Ulysses Torres-Sabuco
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE force and intensity of Super Typhoon Sinlaku could trigger power outages and water disruptions across the Northern Marianas, weather experts warned, while the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation said it is preparing for all scenarios.
CUC said it is prepared to respond to any service disruptions as Super Typhoon Sinlaku approaches the Northern Marianas, while cautioning that power outages may still occur as conditions worsen.
CUC Executive Director Kevin O. Watson told Variety in a phone interview that while the utility is doing everything possible to maintain power and water service, the strength of the storm could still lead to interruptions.
“We don’t expect it, although conditions could lead to power outages,” Watson said.
Weather conditions associated with Sinlaku, including strong winds and potential flooding, could impact both power and water systems, weather experts have warned.
Sinlaku is packing maximum sustained winds of 180 mph, equivalent to a Category 5 system. At its closest approach to the Northern Marianas, it is expected to bring between 155 and 160 mph sustained winds.
Typhoon-force winds are expected Monday evening.
Watson said that earlier Monday, isolated outages caused by fire and sparking lines were quickly brought under control, underscoring the utility’s ongoing response efforts even before the storm’s peak impact.
“As winds increase, we could have some outages, but we are doing everything we can to keep the power on,” he said.
CUC has deployed emergency crews to critical facilities, with personnel stationed at power plants and staff assigned to call centers to assist the public throughout the duration of the storm.
“We do have emergency teams manning the power stations. They are staying there. We also have staff at our call center who will remain available to receive calls and provide assistance,” Watson said.
The utility has also taken steps to secure the water supply, including maintaining tank levels and preparing systems to withstand potential disruptions.
“We are doing everything; we’ve made all the preparations we can to keep the power on, keep the water tanks full, and be ready,” Watson said.
While emphasizing preparedness, Watson acknowledged that the worst-case scenario remains possible.
“The worst-case scenario is an islandwide power outage, but we are hoping to keep the power on,” he said.
