The Impacts and Response to Super Typhoon Mawar Heading Towards Guam

A Super Typhoon Approaches Guam

A powerful super typhoon, Mawar, is predicted to hit the US island territory of Guam in the western Pacific with winds as strong as 160 miles per hour, which is equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane. According to The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Mawar could be one of the strongest typhoons to impact Guam since the 1960s.

Super Typhoon Mawar is expected to make a direct hit or very near passage for Guam on 24th May 2023, around noon local time. The US Coast Guard, the Guam Office of Civil Defense, and the Guam government have all issued warnings and ordered residents to take immediate shelter. Guam Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero urged residents to take all the necessary precautions in an abundance of safety before facing the full strength of the typhoon. The US President, Joe Biden, declared an emergency in Guam and ordered federal assistance to support the response to the typhoon.

Impact on Guam

As the typhoon approaches, the Guam Office of Civil Defense advised residents to seek shelter immediately. The Typhoon Mawar is already producing waves up to 45 feet in the ocean near Guam. Rainfall could reach as high as 20 inches, and storm surge is forecast to reach as high as 25 feet. Most homes on the island were destroyed when Karen hit Guam in 1962 with 155 mph winds and wind gusts of at least 170 mph. In 2002, Super Typhoon Pongsona moved near the island with 144 mph winds and gusts up to 173 mph, causing $700 million in damage at that time.

Disaster Preparedness

The super typhoon approaches during a time of increasing global concern over natural disasters globally. The world is witnessing the frequency and severity of such events; hence, this can be an opportunity to contemplate disaster preparedness, modernize designs, and consider preventative measures. A disaster’s devastating impacts expose the inadequacies of systems that have lagged behind both scientifically and technologically to mitigate risks and aftermaths.

Also, leaders’ decisions and actions, larger federal support in providing proper communication channels and evacuations plans, can mitigate the destruction and save millions of lives. A strong leadership role, which sets the groundwork to respond immediately to natural disasters, is necessary. Communities in disaster-prone areas must additionally be prepared for any eventuality, with a plan to evacuate, and access to supplies for immediate protection during the events.

Communities and institutions must invest in technology and adequate infrastructure fully. The implementation of technological systems that facilitate early warnings and fast, easy, and coordinated evacuations can minimize the losses, save lives, and facilitate a speedy recovery process. It is also essential to note that well-implemented evacuation plans save everyone involved stored resources and the loss of properties. As such, more attention and focus must be placed on ensuring that communities and institutions in disaster-prone areas are well-prepared to adequately handle natural disasters.

Conclusion

The impending Super Typhoon Mawar reminds us of the urgency to develop adequate responses to unpredictable natural disasters and create effective plans. While the frequency of natural disasters is beyond our control, preparing for them can significantly reduce losses during and after such catastrophes. As such, as leaders, institutions, and communities, we must devote adequate resources towards natural disaster programs.