A powerful storm, Super Typhoon Sinlaku, hit the U.S. Northern Mariana Islands this morning, causing major damage with strong winds and heavy rain.
According to the National Weather Service, Sinlaku is the most powerful tropical cyclone on Earth this year. This violent Category 5-equivalent storm hit the Mariana Islands, especially Saipan and Tinian, this morning with sustained winds of around 240 kilometres per hour. Nearby Guam also experienced strong winds and heavy rain, leading to flash flooding.
Rescue efforts were difficult due to the dangerous conditions. Officials warned that the storm would continue for some time, and even after weakening, winds would remain unsafe.
President Donald Trump approved emergency disaster declarations ahead of the latest storm for Guam and the Mariana Islands. The Federal Emergency Management Agency said it was coordinating support across multiple agencies, dispatching nearly 100 FEMA staff as well as other personnel.
