CNMI governor urges residents to take Bavi seriously
- Admin
- 1 hour ago
- 4 min read
By Bryan Manabat
Saipan—Gov. David Apatang is urging residents across the commonwealth to take Super Typhoon Bavi “very seriously” and prepare immediately, warning that the CNMI is still deep in recovery from Typhoon Sinlaku’s mid‑April landfall and now faces another supertyphoon with destructive winds approaching 175 mph.
The call for urgent preparation comes as President Donald J. Trump approved the CNMI’s request for an emergency declaration on July 3, authorizing FEMA to provide emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance across Saipan, Tinian, Rota and the Northern Islands.
The declaration covers the incident period beginning July 2 and continuing, following the governor’s request submitted the day before.
Clement Bermudes, special assistant for Homeland Security, said Bavi continued strengthening overnight and remained on a direct path toward the Marianas.
As of Saturday morning, the system was moving from east to west, tracking northward and expected to pass between Tinian and Rota if it maintains its current trajectory.
“If it moves south, it will be more into Rota,” Bermudes said at Saturday morning’s press briefing at the Emergency Operations Center. “But nonetheless, we will experience severe tropical storm conditions probably upwards of 70 miles per hour even if the eye does not hit us.”
He added that Bavi’s forward speed had slowed, similar to Sinlaku’s behavior in April. “We’re praying for faster speed so it can pass the Marianas,” he said.
Sinlaku struck the CNMI in mid‑April with destructive winds that tore roofs from homes, damaged communication towers, flooded neighborhoods, and left thousands without power and water for days. Many families remain in temporary tents, and agencies are still repairing critical infrastructure as Bavi approaches.
Apatang said the government’s fiscal outlook remains strained. “I just filed my budget for fiscal year 2027, and it’s not looking too good,” he said. “We need businesses open so they can support us in additional economic activities.”
He thanked federal partners for staying on the ground longer than expected. “They were just about winding down from Sinlaku, but now that Bavi decided to visit us, they’re going to be here longer.”
Bermudes said the government began dismantling tents for vulnerable residents on Friday and moving them into shelters. As of midday Saturday, 292 people were already sheltered across Saipan and Tinian.
“We prioritized the elderly and those with physical disabilities,” he said. “This is a real supertyphoon that’s coming to us. Please follow the guidance from the Joint Information Center.”
He noted that sheltering extends beyond official facilities. “Neighbors help neighbors. Families bring other families into hardened homes.”
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Sinlaku severely damaged the CNMI’s communication tower on Mount Tapochau, and repairs were underway when work had to stop because of Bavi. Bermudes said backup systems — including satellite phones, runners, and a newly installed generator — are ready.
“If our primary generator goes down, we have another generator to run off with,” he said. “We learned from Sinlaku.”
Apatang warned that emergency responders will not be able to conduct rescues once winds intensify. “Don’t wait until the wind starts blowing, and then you’re going to be calling somebody to rescue you,” he said. “Get somebody to help you if you need help, so we can get you to where you’re supposed to be.”
He urged residents to move to shelters early, fuel vehicles, and stock water and food. “This storm is very serious,” he said. “It’s a very strong storm that’s coming in.”
At the press briefing, the governor was also joined by Andrew F. Grant, FEMA’s federal coordinating officer for the Sinlaku and Bavi response, and Patrick Guerrero, the governor’s authorized representative for both Sinlaku and Bavi.
Under the emergency declaration, FEMA is authorized to provide Category B emergency protective measures, limited to direct federal assistance under the Public Assistance program. Grant said FEMA teams are already integrated with CNMI agencies.
“We’re here to support the commonwealth,” Grant said.
Both Apatang and Bermudes emphasized that residents must act early.
“Fill up your vehicles. Get a lot of water, food supplies, and let’s prepare to weather this storm out,” Apatang said. “We can survive. We did it before. We can do it again. Let’s work together and pray for the best.”
According to the National Weather Service in Tiyan, Super Typhoon Bavi is forecast to pass through the Marianas early Monday morning as a Category 5 system with maximum sustained winds near 160 mph.
As of Saturday morning, July 4, Bavi was located about 465 miles east‑southeast of Saipan, moving west at roughly 10 to 12 mph, with typhoon‑force winds extending up to 50 miles from the center and tropical‑storm‑force winds reaching 150 miles north of the eye.
The latest model guidance continues to indicate a track between Tinian and Rota, with all islands expected to experience severe impacts including flooding, coastal inundation, and damaging winds.
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