Anxiety grips CNMI residents as they brace for Bavi amid Sinlaku recovery

Gov. Apatang declares a state of significant emergency as Bavi intensifies

Saipan is bracing for thre approaching Typhoon Bavi.

By Bryan Manabat

Saipan--CNMI Gov. David Apatang has placed the commonwealth under a state of significant emergency in anticipation of Typhoon Bavi, which is forecast to bring maximum sustained winds of 85 mph.

The governor authorizes the deployment of public resources to respond to any disaster that the approaching super typhoon may cause.

"Emergency authorities exercised pursuant to this declaration will extend to recovery efforts with respect both to existing impacts of Super Typhoon Sinlaku and to anticipated impacts of Tropical Storm Bavi," states the governor's declaration.

"The likely impact of another super typhoon as our community is still rebuilding and recovering from Super Typhoon Sinlaku only months ago is devastating news."

With Typhoon Bavi intensifying as it approaches the Marianas, anxiety is rising across Saipan as residents prepare for yet another major storm only weeks after Sinlaku’s devastating impact.

Long lines at gas stations, crowded hardware stores and supply shortages have fueled public frustration, much of it spilling onto social media as families rush to secure their homes before landfall.

For many, the emotional toll is heavier this time. Gordon Marciano, a Saipan resident whose roof was damaged during Typhoon Sinlaku, said the community’s exhaustion is real, but compassion must remain at the center of the response.

“I’m one of them with a broken roof. I don’t have a tent, but you know others needed it more as their conditions are far worse,” Marciano said.

“As the storm approaches, we pray that the community we grew up in has compassion, kindness, and sympathy towards people and animals. We need to help our family members, our first responders and their families still in recovery and heading in for round two.”

Marciano said many responders have been working nonstop since Sinlaku, often without proper rest or time with their families.

“We all need a break, especially our responders missing their loved ones, who haven’t had a decent rest or sleep. Families and neighbors need to come together to help one another — bring those tents down, give these men and women a break, and get out there if you see your neighbors in need. Stay strong, stay safe, stay blessed and pray for one another.”

Across the island, businesses are also taking precautionary steps. Laolao Bay Golf Resort announced a temporary closure of its facilities beginning Saturday, July 4.

“Due to the expected landfall of Typhoon Bavi, for the safety of our valued guests and employees, we will be temporarily closing starting Saturday,” the resort said in a statement. “The schedule for resuming operations will be announced at a later date.”

Before Sinlaku, the CNMI was battered by Typhoon Yutu in 2018 and Typhoon

Soudelor in 2015.

For business operators still recovering from Sinlaku, the looming storm brings back difficult memories. Michael Temperante said the thought of going through another round of hardship is unsettling.

“I’m worried, because I’ve experienced the hardship after Typhoon Sinlaku. I don’t want to experience that again,” he said.

Still, some residents say they have grown accustomed to typhoons after years of living in the islands, though many acknowledge that back‑to‑back storms present a different kind of strain — physical, emotional and financial.

Forecasters warn that Bavi could strengthen into a Category 4 or Category 5 super typhoon before a possible passage through the islands on Monday.

“This is an extremely concerning situation, a scenario right now for all the Mariana Islands,” said Landon Aydlett, meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Guam. “The latest forecast tracks have been consistent, showing a potentially super typhoon passing through the Mariana Islands Monday morning.”

Early Friday morning, Bavi was upgraded to a typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 80 mph. At 7 a.m., it was located about 715 miles east-southeast of Saipan and 760 miles east of Guam, moving west-northwest at 14 mph. Aydlett said the storm is expected to begin a gradual westward turn later today, guided by the subtropical ridge to the north. Any earlier or prolonged westward shift could drag the track southward toward Rota or Guam.

“Guam is still well within the realm of possibilities of seeing a direct hit,” he said, recalling Typhoon Sinlaku’s last-minute track shift in 2024. “We have three days for things to change. Three days for forecast tracks to shift either to the north or to the south. Three days for this thing to intensify.”

Sinlaku, which left a trail of destruction on April 14, is still fresh in the minds of Saipan residents. File photo by Bryan Manabat

Typhoon Sinlaku, which struck in mid‑April 2026, caused major damage to infrastructure, businesses, and homes across Saipan and Tinian. Sinlaku’s slow, grinding passage toppled power poles, shredded roofs, flooded neighborhoods, and left thousands without electricity or running water for weeks. Many families remain in tents or temporary shelters nearly three months later.

“It’s a fairly grim outlook, especially for Saipan and Tinian where you’re still picking up the pieces from Typhoon Sinlaku,” Aydlett said. “Many people are still without power and living in tents. So this is a huge concern for all of us at the forecast office as well as the government partners.”

The Joint Typhoon Warning Center has flagged the likelihood of rapid intensification, a process that could push Bavi up several categories within a 24‑hour period.

“It could become imminent,” Aydlett said. “We could jump up several categories within a 24-hour time period.”

Aydlett emphasized that all islands should prepare for tropical storm-force winds, with the potential for Category 4 or 5 conditions depending on the final track.

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“Take the planning, the warnings, the information seriously. Take the action now while the weather is fine, fair, and favorable outside,” he said. “Use today and the Fourth of July weekend to plan, prepare, and take action.”

Residents are urged to secure loose outdoor items—tents, canopies, tarps, trash bins—and begin stocking essentials: fuel, cash, batteries, water, and non-perishable food. “ATMs may be offline for a period of time or longer,” he warned.

Lines at stores and gas stations were already growing Friday morning. “Do it now while it’s early. Time is on our side,” Aydlett said.

The CNMI government announced that public shelters across Saipan, Tinian, and Rota will open at 3 p.m. today, giving residents time to relocate before conditions deteriorate. Officials emphasized that only reinforced concrete homes with secure doors, windows, and roofs should be considered safe.

“If you have no windows, no doors, or they’ve been compromised from a typhoon, that is not a safe shelter,” Aydlett said. “When in doubt, go to the shelters. Better safe than sorry.”

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