Chaba hurtles toward NMI

Commonwealth residents began bracing themselves yesterday for the damaging winds of Chaba, after the National Weather Service on Guam issued an advisory that the tropical storm had intensified into a typhoon.

Gov. Juan N. Babauta placed the Northern Mariana Islands under typhoon condition of readiness II at 5pm Saturday, according to an Emergency Management Office bulletin. This means that destructive winds of over 75 miles per hour are possible within 24 hours.

EMO also activated the emergency operation center at 5pm yesterday, opening evacuation centers for those who might need to temporarily vacate their homes. (See sidebars)

As of 4pm yesterday, the weather service tracked Chaba’s eye at about 415 miles east of Saipan, 420 miles east of Tinian, and 450 miles east of Rota.

The typhoon was moving west at 12mph, with sustained winds of 80mph and gusts of 100mph.

Weather forecasters said damaging winds of 39mph are possible as early as midday Sunday. Winds may increase further to typhoon strength late Sunday and early Monday, depending on Chaba’s exact track and intensity.

“Much uncertainty remains in the forecast track of Typhoon Chaba,” the NWS said. “Review your disaster plan and check the contents of your disaster supply kit. Fill your car with gas. Secure outside furniture and other loose objects in your yard. Prepare to put up typhoon shutters. Check supplies of prescription drugs. Move boats to safe haven.”

Expectant mothers, especially those who are at least seven months pregnant, are also advised to make arrangements with the hospital if necessary.

Babauta also placed the islands of Alamagan, Pagan, and Agrihan under typhoon warning. Forecasters located Chaba at about 461 miles east-southeast of Alamagan, 480 miles of east-southeast of Pagan, and 515 miles east-southeast of Agrihan.

The NWS cautioned small vessels of hazardous surf at 12 to 14 feet on Sunday, with the possibility of increasing to 16 to 18 feet on Sunday night. Severe rip currents are expected to occur inside the reefs.

Further, Chaba may bring 5 to 7 inches of rainfall from Sunday through Monday.

The approaching typhoon has prompted the recall of all sailors and airmen assigned to USS Kitty Hawk (CV 63) on Guam.

In an advisory issued yesterday, it said all men assigned to the USS Kitty Hawk and Carrier Air Wing 5 (CVW-5) are ordered to return to the ship immediately to make preparations for departure.

“High winds and heavy seas associated with the approach of Typhoon Chaba pose a potential threat to Kitty Hawk while they remain moored to the pier,” the advisory said. “Kitty Hawk sincerely regrets any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates your cooperation in ensuring the safety of our personnel and equipment. Guam has been and continues to be a favored liberty port for Kitty Hawk and we eagerly look forward to our next visit.”

The threat of Chaba comes amid recovery efforts following the onslaught of Typhoon Tingting last June 28, which had prompted President George W. Bush to declare a major disaster in the CNMI.

Tingting was packing 70mph winds during its closest approach on Saipan. It was elevated into a typhoon as it was passing through the Northern Islands. With Tingting’s eye passing as close as 45 miles northeast of Saipan, the storm left several houses destroyed or damaged and trees knocked down. Its record-breaking rainfall caused massive flooding on Saipan.