Super Typhoon Mawar Hits Guam
Guam Airport Closed, Korean Tourists Anxious
"Recovery Expected After June 1"
Category 4 super typhoon 'Mawar (MAWAR)' struck Guam, a representative resort in the South Pacific, stranding about 3,200 Korean tourists. Although significant casualties were feared due to the typhoon, fortunately, no deaths have been confirmed so far.
On the 26th (local time), Guam moved out of the typhoon's influence, but power and water outages caused by strong winds and heavy rain continued, causing great difficulties for locals and tourists.
Local authorities have begun facility restoration, but airport recovery and resumption of flights are expected to be difficult before June 1, prolonging the inconvenience for travelers.
On the 25th (local time), a car is passing through the flooded streets of Tumon Bay as 'Super Typhoon' Mawar, accompanied by gusts of wind reaching 241 km/h, strikes the U.S. territory of Guam in the Pacific. [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]
Guam authorities stated on their website the previous afternoon, "Flights are currently not operating," and "Guam International Airport is operating an emergency coordination center and conducting restoration work." They added, "In cooperation with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) air traffic control tower, humanitarian aid and cargo flights are currently being accepted."
An official from the Guam branch office said, "Guam authorities are working toward reopening the airport on June 1," but added, "It may take more time to drain the water inside the airport and inspect the runway conditions."
Even if the airport opens on June 1 as targeted by the authorities, travelers will have to stay for more than five additional days from the current point.
On the 25th (local time), the 4th-grade 'super typhoon' Mawar struck Guam, a U.S. territory in the Pacific, causing trees to break and fall onto the streets due to strong winds. [Image source=AFP Yonhap News]
Accordingly, related posts are continuously appearing on online communities frequently used by domestic travelers to Guam.
According to the posts, most local restaurants and shops have closed due to the typhoon, so tourists are currently seeking open supermarkets and similar places. Among them, one traveler who came to Guam with a mother suffering from a chronic illness asked where to obtain medication that the mother needs to take regularly, as they had run out.
There have also been reports of cases where hotels refused to extend stays, forcing travelers to spend nights in hotel lobbies or banquet halls. One traveler said, "I filled the bathtub with water, but since no water is coming out, I can't even wash my face, and it's very frustrating," adding, "The water I collected yesterday is all muddy," describing the water outage situation.
Meanwhile, the Category 4 typhoon Mawar that struck Guam on the 24th and 25th was recorded as the strongest typhoon to approach Guam in decades. This is the first time a Category 4 typhoon has hit Guam since 'Pongsona' in 2002.
With gusts exceeding 241 km/h, utility poles were toppled and power lines cut, causing widespread power outages. Due to the power outage, water and sewage facilities stopped functioning, cutting off water supply to many residences and hotels.
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