The island of Guam is preparing for the worst. This territory of the United States in the Pacific is expecting the arrival of super typhoon Mawar this Wednesday, which, according to the American National Weather Service, could cause potentially fatal flooding phenomena on the coast, which could already lead to the evacuation of the most vulnerable populations.
According to the latest weather report, Mawar was about 110km offshore as of 7am Wednesday, with winds approaching 225km/h. The typhoon “should be heading directly south or over Guam,” warned the US weather forecast, which poses a “triple threat” for this “super typhoon”: strong winds, “torrential rains” and “potentially deadly coastal flooding.” ” for Guam and Rota, another American island in the Mariana Archipelago.
Wind speeds of at least 140 km/h are expected
Faced with this threat of coastal flooding, Guam authorities ordered the evacuation of the population living along the coast of this island of nearly 170,000 people, urging everyone to “seek immediate shelter” from the destructive winds of 140 km/h or more are already being felt for this one expected Wednesday morning.
“I’m concerned for the safety of our people. “This is the strongest storm in 20 years,” Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said. The officer urged residents to “seek shelter immediately.”
US President Joe Biden declared a state of emergency for Guam on Tuesday so the island could receive federal aid, according to a White House statement. Nearly 22,000 American soldiers and their families are stationed on this island, where long-range bombers and American nuclear submarines pass by. About 60 flights departing from or arriving in Guam scheduled between Tuesday and Thursday have been canceled, AB Won Pat International Airport also said.