Super Typhoon Bavi hits Rota, US Pacific territories brace for catastrophic damage

Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall on Monday on Rota, the southernmost island of the Northern Marianas, bringing torrential rains and hurricane-force winds to the US Pacific Island territories of Guam and the Northern Marianas, according to the National Weather Service (NWS) as reported by Deutsche Welle.

The NWS reported that Bavi's western eyewall was moving over Rota, with the storm's intensity estimated at 180 mph (290 kph). The agency warned of "catastrophic winds exceeding 150 mph" continuing across Rota during the eyewall passage.

Coverage comparison

Reports from Deutsche Welle and The Hindu — World provide varying details on the storm's timing and conditions. Deutsche Welle reported that Bavi arrived on Monday, while The Hindu described the storm's approach on Friday. The Hindu noted that Bavi was forecast to become a super typhoon, with sustained winds of 167 kph (104 mph) and gusts of 203 kph as of Friday.

The two outlets also differed in their descriptions of the storm's strength. Deutsche Welle reported maximum sustained winds of 280 kph (173 mph) and gusts of 333 kph, citing the Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC). The Hindu, citing the same center, reported that Bavi was projected to reach super typhoon status by Saturday with sustained winds of 240 kph, increasing to 278 kph by Sunday, equivalent to a Category Five hurricane.

Both outlets emphasized the seriousness of the threat. Deutsche Welle highlighted the NWS's warnings of "catastrophic wind damage" and "extremely dangerous hurricane winds," while The Hindu quoted the NWS's "grim outlook for the Marianas."

Key claims

  • Super Typhoon Bavi made landfall on Rota on Monday, as reported by Deutsche Welle, citing the National Weather Service.
  • Bavi brought torrential rains and hurricane-force winds to Guam and the Northern Marianas, according to Deutsche Welle.
  • Maximum sustained winds were reported at 280 kph with gusts of 333 kph by Deutsche Welle, citing the JTWC. The Hindu reported lower figures of 167 kph sustained and 203 kph gusts on Friday, with strengthening forecast.
  • The NWS warned of catastrophic wind damage near the storm's eye, as well as storm surges and hazardous surf, as reported by Deutsche Welle.
  • The area is still recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which struck in April, as reported by The Hindu.
  • El Nino has begun in the Pacific, affecting global weather patterns, as mentioned by Deutsche Welle.
  • The NWS issued warnings of at least tropical storm conditions for all residents across Guam and the Northern Marianas, as reported by The Hindu.
The NWS advised residents to take immediate shelter, stating, "Treat these imminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to an interior room or shelter NOW!" in a post on X, as quoted by Deutsche Welle.

If Bavi moves over or close to Rota as forecast, much of the area "will be uninhabitable for weeks, perhaps longer," the NWS warned. "Many non-concrete, non-reinforced homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse," the agency added, according to Deutsche Welle.

Flash flood warnings were also in effect for Saipan and Tinian in the Northern Marianas, the NWS said.

The two US territories are home to a combined 210,000 people. Streets were largely deserted on Sunday afternoon as residents heeded official advice to seek shelter, with shops and businesses boarded up ahead of the storm, as reported by Deutsche Welle.