US Pacific Islands Brace For Long Recovery After 'Catastrophic' Typhoon

"Authorities in the Northern Mariana Islands called for urgent supplies and equipment on Friday and were preparing for weeks without power after being hit by their most powerful typhoon in half a century, killing one woman and causing widespread destruction.

Super Typhoon Yutu, a category five storm, struck the U.S. Western Pacific territory overnight on Wednesday, pulling down hundreds of electricity poles, damaging homes and commercial properties and the international airport on Saipan, located about 6,000 km (3,700 miles) west of Hawaii.

On the island of Tinian, which took a direct hit from Yutu, the mayor asked for tools, machetes and chainsaws to help clear debris and urged residents to be patient and conserve fuel, food and water as emergency supplies had yet to arrive. "

Martin Petty reports for Reuters October 26, 2018.

SEE ALSO:

"Category 5 Typhoon Yutu Devastates The Northern Marianas In Worst Storm To Hit Any Part Of U.S. Since 1935" (Washington Post)

Source: Reuters, 10/26/2018