The Wrath of Typhoon Mawar: Tracking Its Fury Through Guam and Beyond

Typhoon Mawar Brings Destruction to Guam

The US Pacific territory Guam was hit by Typhoon Mawar on Wednesday night, leaving the entire island without power and causing widespread damage due to hurricane-force winds, lightning, and heavy rainfall. The storm, which had the force of a Category 4 hurricane, is the strongest storm to hit Guam in years. While Guam is used to tropical cyclones, the last Category 4 typhoon hit the island in 2002, generating over $700 million in damages, and has raised concerns for an entire generation that has never experienced such a phenomenon.

No Electricity and Widespread Power Outage

The Guam Power Authority said that the energy grid provided power for less than 2% of its customers while repair crews could not safely fix the island’s energy infrastructure. There were no immediate reports of casualties, but the storm was so severe that it broke wind sensors, radar equipment, uprooted trees, and knocked out power lines.

Evacuation Orders and Federal Assistance

President Biden declared an emergency for Guam on Tuesday, granting federal aid to assist with relief efforts. Local officials issued evacuation orders, and commercial aviation stopped its operations. All military ships except one that remained in port with an engine problem left Guam along with every military aircraft placed in protective hangars to protect them from the storm. The island’s population is predominantly Catholic, and the Roman Catholic church in Guam urged its congregants to stay sheltered during the storm.

Natural Disasters and Climate Change

Climate change has increased the intensity of tropical cyclones, such as typhoons and hurricanes. The warmer ocean and the increased amount of energy generated as a result of climate change fuel these storms, making them more destructive than they previously were. Studies have indicated that the cyclones have caused significant damage to infrastructure, human lives, and economies.

Impact on the Philippines

Typhoon Mawar was the second named storm to hit the Western Pacific in 2023. It was anticipated to move towards the Philippines following its path of destruction across Guam. The storm is expected to bring further destruction as it moves towards the Philippines.

Editorial

Natural disasters are among the most significant challenges facing communities worldwide. Climate change and other human activities have been identified as significant contributors to the rates of natural disasters observed globally. It is critical for communities to be prepared and have adequate infrastructure to mitigate the destructive impact of such disasters. In the case of Guam, there have been advances in the island’s infrastructure that have minimised damage and deaths resulting from major storms. However, the longer duration between catastrophic events raises concerns about the adequacy of infrastructure and preparedness of an entire generation that has not experienced such storms.

Advice

Communities living in areas susceptible to natural disasters should take precautionary measures to prepare in advance. This includes building stronger and more resilient infrastructure, creating emergency plans, having necessary supplies, and educating everyone in the community about disaster preparedness. In times of natural disasters, it is important to remain calm and follow instructions from authorities while staying informed about safe routes and shelter locations. Communities should also give special attention to vulnerable populations such as the elderly, disabled, and those without adequate homes to ensure that they receive necessary assistance and care during and after disasters.