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Heavy rain triggers flooding
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Posted on Oct 15 2008
A trough of high pressure dumped more than 2 inches of rain on the CNMI yesterday afternoon, overwhelming Saipan’s drainage system and resulting in many areas being flooded until last night.
However, no major flood-related accident was reported on the island, according to Emergency Management Office public information officer Juan T. Camacho.
“Right now the [EMO] and Department of Public Works are opening up drainages in some parts that are flooded and where cars are not accessible,” Camacho told Saipan Tribune late yesterday afternoon.
He said affected areas included San Antonio, Chalan Kanoa, the Dandan traffic light in front of the Shell gas station, Susupe, stretches of Beach Road from north to south, Lower Base in front of Saipan Ice, and San Roque.
There were no immediate reports of evacuation, although some residents in As Lito said the floodwaters entered their homes.
As of 3:30pm yesterday, EMO’s rain gauge indicated that a total of 2.4 inches of rain had fallen on the island, Camacho said.
The total volume of rain was more than enough to temporarily overwhelm the island’s drainage system.
As of 4pm yesterday, water was still cascading from the mountain adjacent to the flooded Dandan traffic light intersection. The strong flow of water carried with it large rocks, tree branches and other debris to the intersection.
A DPW backhoe was dispatched to the Dandan intersection to remove the debris. The removal snarled traffic in the area.
The clearing operation as well as the high water level and debris prompted some motorists coming from San Vicente and going to As Lito to bypass the intersection and use the road leading to the airport instead.
Flooding also occurred at San Vicente Elementary School but teachers and school officials safely guided all car-riding students to their designated pick-up area.
Water flooded the entire northbound lane of Beach Road near the Cabrera Center up to Gold Beach Hotel.
EMO projected that rain last night would be light to moderate and that there would be thunder and lightning.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial advised motorists to take extra precautionary measures while driving in low-lying areas and on highways for ponds of water and sometimes low visibilities.
