Lessons from Mawar: Guam's utility providers brace for Sinlaku

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Taking a cue from the massive system failures that followed Typhoon Mawar in 2023, officials said Guam’s utility providers may be better equipped this time to face the threats of Typhoon Sinlaku.

However, they gave no assurance that the post-storm situation would be trouble-free, citing circumstances beyond their control.

Despite proactive measures, officials said Guam’s geographic vulnerabilities and Sinlaku’s projected intensity may result in unavoidable service disruptions.

“We have learned a great deal since Mawar, and our utilities have taken meaningful steps to strengthen their systems and coordination,” Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero said following a joint meeting with Guam’s utility providers on Saturday.

Typhoon Mawar hit Guam on May 24, 2023— the strongest to hit the island since 2002— leaving trails of destruction. Significant damage to utility infrastructures left Guam without power and water and cut off communications systems in several parts of the island for several months. The government of Guam estimated the damage at nearly $500 million.

During a meeting with the governor, the Guam Power Authority, Guam Waterworks Authority, and the private telecommunications companies, Docomo Pacific, GTA, and IT&E, presented their preparation and emergency response plans as the island braces for Sinlaku, which has been upgraded to a super typhoon.

Meteorologists caution that Sinlaku could create catastrophic conditions similar to those caused by Mawar.

“That said, Guam is a small island facing what is forecast to be a very powerful storm,” the governor said. “We are preparing as much as possible, but we ask our community to understand that outages may occur and restoration may take time depending on the level of damage.”

According to the governor’s office, the joint meeting aimed to develop a unified, islandwide approach to emergency readiness and response.

All utility partners provided updates on their preparations, highlighting significant infrastructure improvements made since Typhoon Mawar nearly three years ago.

These enhancements include testing and upgrading backup generators, replacing outdated network switches, increasing battery capacity, topping off fuel supplies, and strengthening cross-provider coordination.

GPA reported that it is actively clearing debris from power poles and has confirmed that generators at all critical sites are operational.

"Although vegetation clearing is conducted year-round, GPA’s Transmission and Distribution teams are giving special attention to areas known for overgrowth, including excessive trees and bamboo, which can pose risks during storms," GPA said in a press release.

GPA also said appropriate staffing levels are in place to respond to any emergencies, as long as weather conditions permit safe operations.

The agency is working in lockstep with telecommunications providers to prioritize key infrastructure sites for immediate restoration following the storm.

GWA has pre-positioned water tankers across the island and is coordinating with the Department of Defense to maximize reservoir levels ahead of the typhoon’s arrival.

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The governor's office noted that post-storm fuel access for emergency generators is a primary concern shared across all providers.

GPA said it has been checking and fueling standby generators, including those for water wells, to ensure they are operational and ready to provide backup power if needed.

"GPA has worked toward increased inventory to ensure that critical materials and supplies are readily available when needed," the power agency said.

Lt. Gov. Josh Tenorio cautioned the public that recovery will depend on the island's post-typhoon conditions.

"We are asking the public to prepare accordingly and remain patient as crews work to restore services safely," he said.

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