Local News

Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho, who oversees shelter operations, announced that as of 3 p.m. Monday, April 13, secondary shelters on Saipan, Tinian and Rota are being opened to accommodate the growing influx of evacuees.

Preparedness actions should be complete, with residents across Guam and the CNMI set to shelter in place by sunset tonight, as damaging tropical storm force winds set in.

PUBLIC school shelters across Saipan are now operating at more than half capacity as residents continue to move to safer locations ahead of Super Typhoon Sinlaku, while Rota has begun receiving a smaller number of evacuees.

THE Marianas Visitors Authority says all tourists currently on Saipan are safe and have been advised to follow official guidance as Super Typhoon Sinlaku moves toward the Commonwealth.

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.

Taking lessons from Super Typhoon Soudelor in 2015 and Super Typhoon Yutu in 2018, most island residents already know the drill. While many gathered whatever materials were available to secure their windows, doors, and roofs, others checked in at hotels as early as Saturday.

AS Super Typhoon Sinlaku threatens the islands, Marianas Variety is working to provide the community with timely, reliable updates as conditions change.