With 292 people already in shelters as of Saturday, Gov. David Apatang urged residents to prepare immediately for Super Typhoon Bavi and move to shelter if necessary, as the CNMI continues recovering from April’s Typhoon Sinlaku.
Homeland Security Special Assistant Clement Bermudes said crews spent Friday and Saturday dismantling temporary tents erected after Sinlaku, prioritizing elderly residents and those with disabilities. “Your life is more important than your tents,” he said, noting that teams will continue takedowns until weather conditions make it unsafe.
The National Weather Service on Guam forecasts Bavi to pass between Tinian and Rota early Monday morning, bringing destructive winds, flooding, and dangerous coastal conditions across the islands. Bermudes said the storm has slowed and strengthened, tracking directly toward the Marianas.
President Donald J. Trump approved the CNMI’s emergency declaration on July 3, authorizing FEMA to provide emergency protective measures and direct federal assistance.
FEMA’s Andrew F. Grant, now serving as Federal Coordinating Officer, joined Apatang and Governor’s Authorized Representative Patrick Guerrero at Saturday’s briefing.
Apatang warned that emergency responders will not be able to conduct rescues once winds intensify. “Don’t wait until the wind starts blowing,” he said. “Prepare now, fuel up, gather supplies, and go to a shelter if you need to.”
The Commonwealth remains in active recovery from Sinlaku’s mid‑April landfall, with damaged homes, temporary tents still in use, and repairs ongoing to critical infrastructure. Additional shelters will open if needed.
