"In the hours since Super Typhoon Yutu barreled through the U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands on Thursday, those living in the region are already calling it the worst storm they have ever experienced.

Tied for the strongest storm anywhere in the world this year, Yutu packed sustained winds of 180 mph and its gigantic eye enveloped much of Saipan and all of Tinian, leaving the Pacific islands “mangled,” as one local official described it to The Washington Post. Rescue and relief operations have begun, but officials say their efforts are hampered by still-dangerous weather conditions and widespread destruction.

“We just went through one of the worst storms I’ve seen in all my experience in emergency management,” said a statement from emergency management officials for the Commonwealth (CNMI.)"

Allyson Chiu, Chris Mooney, and Juliet Eilperin report for the Washington Post October 25, 2018. [2]

SEE ALSO:

"Rescue Underway In U.S. Pacific Islands As Super Typhoon Strikes" (Reuters) [3]