Governor asks Trump to declare pre-landfall emergency disaster for Guam

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero today requested President Donald Trump to declare a pre-landfall emergency disaster for Guam to facilitate the swift mobilization of resources in response to Typhoon Sinlaku, which is predicted to cause an “imminent catastrophe.”

“I anticipate that this situation will be of such severity and magnitude that an effective response will be beyond the capability of the government of Guam, and supplementary federal assistance will be necessary to save lives and protect property, public health and safety,” the governor said in a report to Trump.

Sinlaku is projected to bring damaging winds of 130 mph, comparable to Typhoon Mawar, which left Guam in shambles in 2023.

During a special session today, the 38th Guam Legislature passed a bill appropriating $25 million in local funds for disaster preparation and recovery,

following the governor's executive order declaring Guam under a state of emergency.

Esther Aguigui, homeland security advisor and acting civil defense administrator, has been named coordinating officer for the emergency. Jon Jr. Calvo, the governor’s chief of staff, has been named the governor’s authorized representative.

Guam Del. James Moylan said the Federal Emergency Management Agency stands ready to assist Guam despite a partial federal government shutdown affecting the Department of Homeland Security.

“We are a very resilient community that has weathered many of these major

 storms through the years," Moylan said. "I am confident that our local 

government leaders and workers, along with our federal partners, will do all they can to ensure a swift recovery."

The governor is asking the White House to provide Guam with emergency protective measures, military airlift, mass care, sheltering commodities and generators, among others.

“My office will continue to work with the relevant federal disaster response agencies to ensure that they are aware of the growing storm threat and are

 able to respond accordingly," Moylan said.

At the Archdiocese of Agana, Archbishop Ryan Jimenez urged residents “to look around and see how they might help those who are especially frail, elderly, vulnerable, sick, homeless or impoverished.”

He also urged prayers for the men and women in the government, military and private sectors who work faithfully to provide safety, health, information and assistance to the people.

"There is already much concern, apprehension, and fear in our people," the archbishop said. "During these instances, go to God. He gives us peace, no matter the difficulties that we face."

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