TROPICAL Storm Sanvu caused several schools on Guam to experience power outages yesterday.
According to Guam Department of Education acting interim Superintendent Robert Malay, the schools that were affected include Adacao Elementary School, Harry S. Truman Elementary School, Liguan Elementary School, J.Q. San Miguel Elementary School, Marcial A. Sablan Elementary School, Talofofo Elementary School, Agana Heights Elementary School, Jose Rios Middle School, Oceanview Middle School, Simon Sanchez High School, Southern High School, and J.P. Torres Alternative School.
Malay said the schools were able to operate according to the health and safety standards set by the Department of Public Health and Social Services, so there was no need to close the schools despite the power outages.
“The schools were opened while the Guam Power Authority worked diligently to restore power to the schools,” Malay said.
He added GPA did a wonderful job notifying GDOE as power was being restored to the schools.
Port closes
Meanwhile, the storm also caused the Port Authority of Guam to temporarily stop operations yesterday because of the heavy rain and winds it brought to the island.
PAG management yesterday issued a notice that it has ceased all cargo and vessel operations at the island's port in anticipation of high winds.
Port officials said that in consultation with the U.S. Coast Guard, PAG shut down its gates and stopped operations as workers were busy securing all facilities and loose cargo in the area.
As a result of the storm, the Coast Guard ordered Matson's vessel, the Matson M/V Maunalei, back out to sea at around noon after it had already docked with cargo on board awaiting discharge.
After winds died down, the Coast Guard allowed the Maunalei to return back to port which docked around 6 p.m. while cargo on board was unloaded around 7 p.m.
The Coast Guard also issued its own notice that the Coast Guard captain of the port has implemented Port Condition Zulu, which is enforced when gale force winds are predicted to arrive within 12 hours.
The agencies warned that dangerous weather conditions generated by a tropical storm can cover an area hundreds of miles wide. They also warned recreational boaters and maritime ships that fall outside the direct path of the storm to be aware of dangerous weather conditions and to take appropriate caution.
"Our main concern is for the safety and wellbeing of all those who work along our docks and of course the security of the cargo that is coming into our island," PAG General Manager Mary Torres said.
Port officials also warned marina tenants to secure their vessels due to the inclement weather.
