Typhoon Bavi delivered some of the most severe damage Rota has seen in more than a decade, snapping power poles, flooding homes, and cutting off water service across the island, according to Sen. Donald Manglona, who spoke from Rota during a phone interview Wednesday.
Manglona said he flew to the island a few days before the storm’s arrival and remained there throughout landfall and the early recovery. He described Bavi as comparable to major systems of the early 2000s, including Typhoon Chaba and Super Typhoon Pongsona.
“I would say it was one of the strongest storms to come through in at least a decade,” he said. “It was pretty severe.”
A preliminary assessment suggests that 30% to 50% of Rota’s power poles were blown down, leaving the island without electricity and facing a prolonged restoration timeline. The mayor’s office estimates two to three months before full power is restored, largely due to limited inventory of poles, transformers, and other critical parts.
“Some of our inventory was already sent to Tinian and Saipan during the Sinlaku recovery,” Manglona said. “We do have some materials on island, but not enough.”
Water system heavily damaged
Water service remains offline, with Commonwealth Utilities Corporation crews arriving Wednesday to assess and repair the system. Manglona said initial inspections identified a major break in the pipeline between the cave source and the treatment plant. If repairs hold, water could return to villages soon — but crews warn additional leaks may be discovered.
“With the lack of water, a lot of our residents are unable to start the recovery work,” Manglona said. “Many concrete homes sustained flooding, and people need water to clean their homes and wash the materials they used to soak up the flooding.”
Army Corps personnel are also inspecting water wells, and officials expect clearer updates by Thursday morning.
Airport open only for humanitarian flights
Rota International Airport sustained structural damage and is currently open only for humanitarian and recovery flights. Commercial operations remain suspended until Federal Aviation Administration‑required repairs are completed.
The island’s main seaport is temporarily closed pending military and FEMA inspection. However, the mayor has authority to open a secondary port for small vessels once weather conditions improve. That port was used during Sinlaku recovery to receive donated goods from Guam.
Aid organizations mobilizing
Manglona said several organizations have reached out to assist, including World Central Kitchen, which is providing meals through a contracted local vendor, and the American Red Cross, which is working to secure flights to the island. FEMA personnel and volunteers began arriving Wednesday morning.
Water remains the most urgent need. Lines at the island’s refilling station have stretched up to six hours, and supplies are running low.
“We are hoping that with CUC on the ground today, they are able to address that situation,” Manglona said.
Rota’s population is estimated at roughly 1,900 residents, according to the most recent census.
Community resilience and call for support
Manglona thanked those who have reached out from Saipan, Tinian, Guam, and abroad, saying the island’s residents remain resilient but need support.
“We appreciate any assistance — financial support or relief and sanitary goods,” he said. “We are trying our best to coordinate shipment of these goods from our neighboring islands.”
Cellular service remains intermittent, complicating communication between families on and off island. Manglona urged those seeking information to follow updates shared by Rota residents active on social media.
“We want to assure everyone that our people are safe,” he said. “All departments and agencies are working to bring supplies over and ensure that the health of our people remains top priority.”
Manglona said it is too early to estimate the total cost of damage from Typhoon Bavi. The mayor is still seeking funds for remaining Sinlaku recovery work, and officials have not yet completed a full assessment of Bavi’s impact on power infrastructure, water systems, and homes.
Manglona said he will remain on Rota throughout the recovery.
“I have been on the ground prior to the storm, and I will remain on the island to assist in any way I can,” he said.
