Guam's post-storm recovery efforts, damage assessments begin

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Guam has commenced its recovery efforts and damage assessments from Typhoon Sinlaku, which battered the island Tuesday through Wednesday, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 mph.

The Guam Waterworks Authority reported that as of 1:30 p.m., 83 wells are online, with 66 wells on standby power generation and 17 wells on the island-wide power system.

GWA has received multiple reports of low to no water pressure in parts of Barrigada, Chalan Pago-Ordot, Dededo, Mangilao, Tamuning, Yigo and Yona.

The Joint Information said the Guam Power Authority is working with GWA to restore power to wells impacted by the storm. As more of the island-wide power system is restored, more wells will be placed back online.

As of 10:50 a.m., well A-30 was placed back online on island power. A-30 is a high producing well and is a critical part of the distribution system for residents in the central part of the island.

Results from 42 samples collected throughout the water distribution system yesterday were negative for bacterial contamination. Today, GWA’s Utility Compliance Laboratory continued sampling the rest of the system and results will be reported once analysis is complete.

The telecommunication system has been restored.

Docomo Pacific reported that its facilities are fully operational and 65 percent of its mobile cell sites are operational.

"We continue to deploy temporary generators to get more sites online, as we wait for island power to be restored," Docomo said, adding that the company is coordinating with GPA to assess the stability of internet service in areas where power is still being restored.

The government began clearing debris from roads to restore access to critical infrastructure.

"We continue to clear this so we can get up our traffic going back and forth for fuel tankers,” Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero.

"Our focus is to keep people safe but also to open this lifeline and make sure that supplies for the island are going to be maintained,” Lt. Gov. Joshua Tenorio said.

Route 11 has been cleared through a coordinated response led by the Department of Public Works, with assistance from Black Construction, a Port tenant.

The reopening of this critical corridor has enabled fuel terminal operators to begin limited operations, including refueling fuel tankers to support essential services such as deliveries to Guam Memorial Hospital, with assistance from the Guam Police Department due to partial road closures, according to the governor’s office.

The Bureau of Statistics and Plans, in coordination with the Office of the Governor and the Office of Civil Defense/Homeland Security, this week began conducting the business sector disaster damage assessment survey.

“This is a preliminary assessment intended to estimate damages to Guam’s business sector caused by Typhoon Sinlaku,” BSP said in a press release.

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The Port Authority of Guam has also begun post-storm damage assessments and is currently awaiting guidance from the U.S. Coast Guard Captain of the Port regarding the resumption of commercial cargo operations.

The Port remained in Port Heavy Weather Condition ZULU as of Friday. While the storm has passed, the all-clear for full operations has not yet been issued by the COTP.

Damage assessments are ongoing across all operational areas, while gantry Cranes 4 and 5 are being unwrapped and brought online to determine operational status.

Gantry Crane 6, which remains offline, was undergoing generator replacement prior to the storm. 

 An inspection of the high-mast lighting has identified some damage, with testing and repairs underway, officials said.

The port management said fender inspections indicated that all but one are in good working condition. The damaged fender is being addressed, with temporary measures to be implemented.

"Our teams are actively assessing conditions across the Port and preparing for a safe and efficient return to operations," said General Manager Rory J. Respicio. "We are working closely with our partners and will resume operations as soon as we receive clearance and determine it is safe to do so."

The Government of Guam is transitioning emergency shelter operations from Tier I, Guam Department of Education shelters, to Tier II.

This transition allows GDOE to begin the necessary cleaning, assessment, and sanitization of school campuses in preparation for the eventual return of students and faculty.

At 1 p.m., Friday, 255 remaining residents currently housed within the GDOE shelters are transitioning to the Yigo Gymnasium, the designated Tier II shelter.

This number is subject to change as assessments are conducted following the transition. The Tier II shelter operations will be managed by the American Red Cross in close coordination with Yigo Mayor Frances Lizama and the Yigo Mayor’s Office, the Government of Guam, and supporting agencies. The American Red Cross stands committed with affected communities and is prepared to shelter these residents. However, limited cot availability will be prioritized to elders, special needs and abilities and medical priorities. 

Access to the Tier II shelter will be prioritized to individuals who initially sought safety in Tier I GDOE shelters during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. 

Transportation will be provided by the Guam Department of Public Works to the Yigo Gym. Personnel from the American Red Cross, Yigo Mayor’s Office and supporting agencies will be on standby to receive residents and assist with the intake process.

To ensure a safe and orderly environment for all residents, the following Tier II shelter rules remain in effect:

• Red Cross disaster assistance is free.

• Tier II shelter operations will be prioritized to individuals who initially sought safety in Tier I GDOE shelters during Super Typhoon Sinlaku. 

• The Red Cross does not require people to show any kind of identification to enter a shelter — just their name and where they were living before the disaster.  

• Essential Supplies: Residents are encouraged to bring their remaining seven-day supply of food, water, and prescriptions. Bedding, toiletries, and personal hygiene products should also be moved with you.

• Prohibited Items: Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and weapons are strictly prohibited.

• Supervision: Parents must maintain responsibility and constant supervision of their children.

• Smoking is not permitted inside the facility or within 25 feet of the front door.

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