TYPHOON YUTU

[OLDNAVYMCPO]

There hasn't been a great deal of exposure in the news regarding the category 5 Typhoon Yutu that hit the Northern Mariana Islands on Thursday, Oct 25, 2018.

The Mariana Islands are a US Commonwealth that is an archipelago consisting of 15 mostly dormant volcanic mountains. The southern most island is the US Territory of Guam.

These islands were the site of fierce battles during WWII. Today, they are of significant importance to the US in protecting the security of the South Pacific.

You will no doubt recognize the names of Tinian, Saipan and Rota, three islands of the chain that played such a significant role in the bombing of Japan during WWII.

The Typhoon Yutu was the strongest storm to hit any part of the US since 1935, the strongest storm anywhere in the world this year. With sustained winds of 180 mph, the storm devastated the islands of Tinian and Saipan. Only buildings constructed of concrete survived. No water and no power.

Luckily 220,000 liters of water and 260,000 meals were pre-positioned in Guam in preparation for Typhoon Mangkhut last month. Mangkhut turned out to be less severe than expected, so those supplies are available.

The US Coast Guard reported yesterday that the ports in Saipan, Tinian and Rota are again open for the most part. The Coast Guard is helping to ensure supplies can reach the islands.

I find it troubling that news coverage of this is so spotty and weak.

 

[Dave_n]

Unfortunately the "great unwashed US public" could not find the Marianas on any map, nor do they realize that they are a part of the USA. My guess is that the "news reporter of today" (an oxymoron if ever I heard one) did not know about it because their "twitter feed" does not cover anything other than the East or West Coast news!! Dave_n

 

[jeffsmith]

Tinian in the eye of YUTU

 

[HOUSTON RICK]

I find it troubling that news coverage of this is so spotty and weak.

It did not happen in New York or California; therefore it is of no significance, unless a Kardashian, rapper felon or British royal was somehow inconvenienced.

 

[Onomea]

Here’s an AP report from 27 October:

The federal government sent supplies to a U.S. territory in the Pacific that was ravaged by a super typhoon as residents of the Northern Mariana Islands dug through crumbled houses, smashed cars and fallen utility poles two days after the deadly storm.

Military planes brought in food, water, tarps and other supplies, U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency spokesman David Gervino said. The agency is focused on helping restore power, opening sea and air ports, and ensuring cell towers can operate on emergency power until electricity returns, he said.

Super Typhoon Yutu packed maximum sustained winds of 180 mph (290 kph) as it passed over the islands of Tinian and Saipan early Thursday, the National Weather Service said. By Saturday, power was still out across Saipan, the largest island with 50,000 residents, and Tinian, with 3,000, local officials said.

The strongest storm to hit any part of the United States this year overturned cars, crushed small planes, ripped off roofs and killed a woman who took shelter in an abandoned building that collapsed. Others were injured, including three people who needed surgery....


Article continues at the link:


US sends aid to Pacific islands devastated by huge typhoon

 

[Czechvar]

It’s always been that way with Pacific Typhoons and Cyclones in the Indian Ocean...The Philippines gets rocked every year, but the only things we hear about are Earthquakes, Volcanos, and Tsunamis. Guess Typhoons are somehow different. I grew up in the Philippines as a kid...

 

[Rudi]

Most Americans have no idea of anything excluding facebook, fast food, sports, and Hollywood fools. Makes me sad.