By Pacific Island Times News Staff
Typhoon Mawar continued to intensify with the possibility of becoming a Category 4 typhoon which is anticipated to hit Guam within the next 12 hours, according to the National Weather Service Guam.
"This is becoming a grim situation for Guam as we move forward within the next 24 to 36 hours," NWS said.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero has issued an executive order for the mandatory evacuation of low-lying coastal areas of Guam.
With sustained winds of 125mph, Typhoon Mawar is threatening to leave the island in shambles the same way Pamela did in 1976, Paka in 1996 and Pongsona in 2002, according to NWS.
Typhoon Mawar is further intensifying, with the possibility of advancing to a Category 4 typhoon or a supertyphoon.
Further, Guam is in the direct path of Typhoon Mawar and it is anticipated our island will be directly hit or a very near-miss.
The governor is expected to place Guam in Condition of Readiness (COR) 1 at 1 p.m. today, which means destructive winds are possible within the next 12 hours.
All residents in low-lying, flood-prone and coastal areas, especially in the southern villages of Inalahan, Ipan, Talofofo, Malesso, Hagat and Umatac, are ordered to evacuate and seek shelter in private residences or designated government shelters in higher elevations no later than 6 p.m. today/\.
In the Northern Marianas, CNMI Gov. has retained Typhoon Condition 2 for Rota and Tropical Storm Condition 2 for Saipan and Tinian.
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The Guam National Guard is ordered to assist with the evacuation ordered herein, including the provision of transportation and other assistance necessary for the safe evacuation of the identified areas.
Pursuant to 10 GCA Section 65111, I further direct that the National Guard may regulate the control of traffic necessary to facilitate the rapid and safe movement of evacuees and government personnel assisting in the evacuation effort.
Mayors and mayoral staff are further authorized to assist in the evacuation of residents in their villages.
Due to the likelihood of a strong storm surge, all residents are to avoid coastal areas. The warning time for storms, while relatively predictable, is unlike a storm surge, which is far more unpredictable and of great concern. When sea levels rise, residents will have mere minutes to evacuate and respond. Thus, we must prepare now and anticipate the worst.
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