260 km wind, 35 foot waves in ocean, super typhoon Bavi moving at full speed towards…., not Japan, Philippines

Super Typhoon Bavi is heading towards the US Pacific territories of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, prompting authorities to issue urgent warnings and move residents to evacuation centres. The powerful storm is expected to make landfall on Monday morning, bringing destructive winds of 260 km/h, gusts of up to 315 km/h, torrential rain, and massive 35-foot (10.7-metre) waves.

The US National Weather Service has described Bavi as an extremely dangerous typhoon, warning that areas near the storm’s centre could suffer extensive damage. Tropical storm-force winds had already begun affecting the region by Sunday afternoon, while residents were urged to complete all preparations before conditions worsen.

What makes Super Typhoon Bavi so dangerous?

Bavi is carrying sustained winds of 260 km/h, making it as powerful as a Category 5 hurricane. Wind gusts could reach 315 km/h, increasing the risk of severe damage to buildings, trees and power infrastructure.

Forecasters have also warned of heavy rainfall, life-threatening coastal flooding, and 35-foot waves in the Pacific Ocean. Such conditions are expected to make the sea extremely dangerous, with authorities advising people to stay away from coastal areas.

The storm is expected to pass close to Rota, a small island located between Guam and Saipan, the largest island in the Northern Mariana Islands.

Emergency preparations underway across the Islands

Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands have begun large-scale preparations ahead of the storm.

The US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has deployed emergency teams to Guam and stocked relief supplies, including 1.1 million litres of drinking water, 1.2 million meals, 6,700 cots, and 90 generators.

Guam has also opened five evacuation centres in schools with space for nearly 1,900 people, giving priority to residents living in vulnerable homes.

Officials say the region has improved its disaster response after previous storms. Earlier this year, Super Typhoon Sinlaku caused widespread power outages, uprooted trees and damaged buildings, while Typhoon Mawar left a trail of destruction in 2023.

Rota Mayor Aubrey Hocog urged residents to remain calm and cooperate with authorities, saying the safety of the community remains the top priority.

Why El Nino could make Typhoon Bavi even stronger

Weather experts say rising ocean temperatures are making tropical storms more intense.

According to the European Union’s Copernicus Marine Service, the world’s oceans recorded their warmest June on record, and temperatures are expected to remain unusually high in the coming months.

Warmer oceans provide more energy and moisture to tropical cyclones, increasing the chances of stronger winds and heavier rainfall.

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has also warned that El Niño has developed in the tropical Pacific and is expected to strengthen further. The climate pattern, which typically occurs every two to seven years, warms Pacific Ocean waters and can significantly alter weather patterns worldwide, often intensifying tropical storms.

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