![More Super Typhoon Yutu footage from our neighbors in the CNMI [Image courtesy – kuamnews YouTube video]](https://staticr1.blastingcdn.com/media/photogallery/2018/10/25/660x290/b_502x220x82/more-super-typhoon-yutu-footage-from-our-neighbors-in-the-cnmi-image-courtesy-kuamnews-youtube-video_2128405.jpg "More Super Typhoon Yutu footage from our neighbors in the CNMI [Image courtesy – kuamnews YouTube video]")
The National Weather Service in Guam has predicted that super typhoon Yutu is set to take a heavy toll on the island of Saipan and the people are trying to save themselves from the ravaging storm. It has wind speeds of approximately 180 mph (289 km/h) and initial feedback is of extensive damage. There are reports of massive flooding while roofs have blown off, and some buildings have crashed to the ground.
Washington Post reports that the total picture has yet to emerge but the weather service has said that, considering the severity of Yutu, residents must prepare for the worst.
There are possibilities of damage to houses and collapse of walls. Industrial buildings will also be at risk. The governor’s office of the Mariana Islands has advised locals to seek out a shelter. Local news media have assured that, in case necessary, there will be additional shelters.
It's morning on Saipan and photos of Typhoon Yutu damage are starting to show up on social media. Notice how the storm ripped all the leaves off the trees -- that means the fruit (i.e. FOOD) are all gone, too. These were taken by my relative Jack Sablan. pic.twitter.com/viJKWvAVzm
— Angelo Villagomez (@TaotaoTasi) October 24, 2018
Hurricanes are not new to Mariana Islands
The United States took control of the Northern Mariana Islands from Japan after World War II.
Strong hurricanes have played havoc with these islands in the past two years. The U.S. Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico suffered during 2017, and Guam faced the wrath of Typhoon Mangkhut only recently. Inhabitants here are mostly Americans. Tinian, the island at the center of the storm, was a strategic location during WWII. It was the base from where bombers that dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, took off.
The Northern Mariana Islands are today home to several garment factories that employ foreign nationals. The local economy depends on tourism and Saipan has opened a casino to cater to tourists.
In the opinion of scientists, the number of hurricanes is increasing and global warming could be a responsible factor. This heat, when transferred to the oceans, provides additional fuel for storms that destroy habitats and infrastructure.
President Donald Trump has declared a disaster in the Marianas and Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel, available in Guam, will extend assistance to the local authorities.
Typhoon Yutu could leave behind ruins
According to New Zealand Herald, the advisory issued by the National Weather Service foretells serious effects of typhoon Yutu. The forecast is of major damage to residential structures, and industrial and apartment buildings. There will also be the loss of necessities like water and electricity that could last for days or even weeks. The typhoon will uproot trees, flatten forests, and lead to heavy rainfall accompanied by floods and landslides. In short, climate disorders of this nature add to the cost of rebuilding damaged and destroyed infrastructure that will run into millions.
