As Guam braces itself for the worst, Typhoon Mangkham downgraded to Category 2 typhoon and passed Guam around 8pm last night, moving away from the region. The typhoon has been predicted to reach either Category 3 or 4 as it reached the Marianas.
As it moved away, it continued to bring heavy rains to Guam and storm force winds, prompting announcements to stay indoors. Up to 7 inches of rain is expected and warnings of flash floods are issued. Power outages around the island has been constant.
According to reports, over 2,100 people are sheltered in 15 schools around the island with most those in shelters being children.
Assessment of damages will be made Tuesday but so far no major damages have been reported yet.
Flights in and out of Guam were cancelled for Monday. Passengers were urged to monitor their status for regular updates of flights schedules.
Last major typhoon to hit Guam was Typhoon Dolphin in 2015 that had wind gusts of 100 miles per hour. The damage was minimal unlike Typhoon Pongsona of 2002 which left Guam with over $730 million in damages. (L.N. Reklai)