Overview:
Super Typhoon Sinlaku has left a trail of destruction across Saipan and Guam, knocking out power, flooding communities and damaging homes—while authorities begin assessing the full масш of the impact.
Power, water outages and flooding hit Northern Marianas as strongest storm of 2026 moves north
Northern Mariana Islands (April 16, 2026)— Super Typhoon Sinlaku tore across the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam this week, overturning vehicles, toppling utility poles and ripping roofs from homes, as authorities reported widespread damage but no confirmed deaths.
The powerful storm slammed into Saipan late Tuesday, lashing the island for hours with violent winds and heavy rain. By Wednesday, large portions of the island were without power, and many roads remained impassable.
Officials said preliminary assessments point to extensive flooding, uprooted trees and downed power lines across Saipan.
The storm also battered Guam with tropical-storm-force winds, where wave action pushed coral debris onto coastal roads, including Marine Corps Drive.
According to the National Weather Service, Sinlaku was the strongest tropical cyclone on Earth this year, packing sustained winds of up to 150 mph (240 kph) at landfall. The storm weakened slightly to about 125 mph (200 kph) late Wednesday as it moved north away from Saipan, Tinian and Rota.
Images from Saipan showed neighborhoods strewn with debris, twisted trees and damaged infrastructure. In Garapan village, floodwaters partially submerged homes and streets.
A fire was also reported during the height of the storm at Marianas Beach Resort, where the generator room reportedly ignited as emergency crews responded despite dangerous conditions.
Residents described significant damage to homes and prolonged outages. Some reported roofs torn off and belongings scattered, while others said flooding soaked interiors and spoiled food due to extended power loss.
In Guam, some residents said preparations informed by past storms, including Typhoon Mawar, helped reduce impacts, though many still faced ongoing outages and long lines for supplies.