• Prev
• 1 of 2
• Next

FALLEN power lines, power outages and some flooding were reported yesterday as Tropical Storm Sanvu passed Guam.

The name Sanvu is Chinese and in English means “coral.” The storm was moving northwest at around 9 miles per hour and was expected to maintain its general course for the next several hours.

As of 6 p.m. yesterday, the tropical storm warning was cancelled for Guam and Rota and a tropical storm watch was cancelled for Tinian and Saipan. The storm was about 180 miles west-northwest of Guam; 195 miles west of Rota; 225 miles west-southwest of Tinian; and 235 miles southwest of Saipan.

Sanvu is moving northwest at 12 mph and is expected to maintain this course. Maximum sustained winds remain at 45 mph and is expected to slowly intensify. Sustained tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 105 miles from the center.

Mayors were busy in their respective villages cleaning up debris. In Yoña, Mayor Jose “Pedo” Terlaje and his crew had to remove trees and a pole that fell and blocked roads in Manenggon, Tagachang and Pulantat.

“Several bamboos went down in Manenggon, and near Tagachang an ironwood tree had to be cut and put aside. People couldn’t go through. There was also a wooden power pole that went down in Pulantat,” he said.

There were no reports of serious flooding in the village, he said. However, Terlaje said they helped one resident secure a canopy that was about to tear apart because of the winds.

GPA

Guam Power Authority’s field crews were out in full force yesterday replacing lines and restoring power to parts of the island.

As of 5 p.m., GPA spokesman Art Perez said there were isolated areas that were without electricity, including Carlos Heights, East Gayinero Road and along the Department of Corrections. All other areas were restored throughout the day.

“We continued to respond to trouble calls throughout the evening as they are received by our dispatchers,” he said.

Residents are advised to call GPA at 475-1472/3/4 and also to shut off the main breaker to avoid damage to electrical equipment or appliances.

Perez also said callers should provide their name, street and village so crews can respond faster.

There were also reports of vegetation affecting power lines. “Mostly bamboo-related,” Perez said.

“We have contractor line crews who were working prior to the storm and all day yesterday to clear potential hazards. We still have a lot of work to do,” Perez said, adding they will likely utilize contractors to help out.