Typhoon-related advisories

By Pacific Island Times News Staff

Due to the approaching Typhoon Sinlaku, government agencies and businesses on Guam and the CNMI have announced the suspension of their operations.

Port Authority of Guam: The U.S. Coast Guard has officially placed the Port Authority of Guam in Port Heavy Weather Condition Zulu as of 8 p.m., indicating that tropical storm or typhoon-force winds are expected within 12 hours.

Under Condition Zulu: The port is fully secured; all cargo and vessel operations have ceased; no vessels may enter or depart the harbor and access to port facilities is restricted.

All storm preparations have been completed and the port is now in full lockdown status.

“With Condition Zulu in effect, our focus is on safety and protecting the Port’s critical infrastructure,” said Rory J. Respicio, general manager. “Our port Strong team has worked diligently to prepare, and we stand ready to recover and resume operations as soon as it is safe.”

Archdiocese of Agana: All Catholic schools will be closed on Monday and will remain closed until the government issues an “all clear” and the island returns to COR 4. All masses would be suspended if Guam were placed in COR 1.

GCC: The Guam Community College campus will close on Monday. All scheduled classes, bootcamps and testing have been canceled. The campus will resume operations once the island returns to Condition of Readiness 4 and the campus has been cleared to open.

Resumption of classes and reopening of the campus will be announced on GCC's social media pages on Facebook and Instagram at @GuamCC, on https://guamcc.edu/campusupdates and our WhatsApp Update Channel at https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaJfQqf60eBeDMSGCh21.

GPA/GWA : The Guam Power Authority and Guam Waterworks Authority advise the public that their customer service centers and business offices will be closed on Monday.

Customers may use the following alternative online and phone payment methods:

● Online Payment Service - PayGPA.com and PayGWA.com

● GPA Pay-By-Phone at (671) 647-5787/8/9, GPA Representatives are available Mon-Fri from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm.

● GPA 24-Hour Automated Payment System at 1-855-712-9696

● GWA 24-Hour Pay-By-Phone at (671) 647-4729

For any power-related emergencies or to report downed power lines, customers can reach out to GPA’s Power System Control Center (PSCC) Dispatch at (671) 475-1472/3/4.

Customers can also submit reports via GPA’s Facebook or Instagram direct messaging services or via email at customersfirst@gpagwa.com. For additional support, customers are encouraged to visit the GPA website at www.guampowerauthority.com.

For any water-related or wastewater concerns, customers can reach GWA Dispatch at (671) 646-4211, email at gwadisp@guamwaterworks.org or visit the GWA website at www.guamwaterworks.org. For additional support, the GWA Customer Care team is also available at customers@guamwaterworks.org.

TakeCare: TakeCare Insurance Company. All offices in Guam are closed until further notice. Philippines operations are open. Normal business hours will resume when COR4 is announced.

Bank of Guam: Effective Monday, Bank of Guam headquarters, along with all Guam and CNMI branches, will be closed. The Familia Contact Center, which closed at noon Sunday, will reopen when COR4 is declared.

Business customers are advised that wire transfers and ACH transactions scheduled for tomorrow may experience processing delays due to limited operations.

"The safety and well-being of our customers, employees, and the community are of the utmost importance to us, and we are taking proactive measures to ensure everyone’s safety," said Joaquin P. L.G. Cook, president and CEO.

Bank of Guam will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates via its website and social media channels regarding the reopening of its branches. In the meantime, customers are advised to stay informed about Typhoon Sinlaku through official government channels, local news outlets, and weather advisories.

CNMI: In accordance with the Declaration of Typhoon Condition II for the islands of Saipan, Tinian and Rota, all government offices will remain closed until an “All Clear” declaration is announced.

The CNMI Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Management through the CNMI Emergency Operations Center State Warning Point, will continue to monitor the movement of Typhoon Sinlaku and will be issuing bulletins and advisories as they become available.

U.S. Coast Guard: Residents are advised to stay out of the water. Beaches, reefs and nearshore areas will become dangerous as the storm approaches. Waves, surges, and currents during tropical weather events have claimed lives.

A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through 6 p.m. Sunday, with seas of 8 to 14 feet and increasing. A Rip Current Statement remains in effect. Additional watches and warnings may be issued as Sinlaku strengthens and its track becomes clearer.

Do not rely on the U.S. Coast Guard or other first responders to retrieve unsecured equipment. Kayaks, paddleboards, jet skis, outboard motors, and other water sports gear that break free during storms may be spotted adrift by neighbors or boaters, prompting emergency calls.

First responders are not available to search for property during storm operations, and debris in the water creates real hazards for recovery efforts afterward. Secure or store all water sports equipment now.

Remove or properly secure any small vessels at public marinas. Sunken or damaged vessels after a storm create environmental hazards, obstruct navigation, and recovery costs fall on vessel owners.