The strongest hurricane on Earth hits Rota Island in the US directly with winds approaching 300 km/h

Super Hurricane Bavi made direct landfall on Rota Island in the Pacific Ocean, amid weather conditions described as some of the most severe this season, with severe damage reported and warnings that the danger would continue in the coming hours.

The cyclone is currently centered over the island, with wind speeds expected to reach approximately 290 kilometers per hour, equivalent to the strength of a Category 5 hurricane.

Destructive winds and urgent warnings: “Stay in safe places immediately.”

Authorities issued urgent warnings to the island's residents, urging them to consider the situation a direct and immediate danger and to head immediately to indoor locations or shelters protected from the strong winds.

The relevant authorities confirmed that the wind speed could lead to widespread structural damage, with the possibility that the effects of the hurricane will continue in the coming period.

Initial destruction on Rota Island… and residents report extensive damage

On the small island of Rota, located south of the Northern Mariana Islands, authorities reported receiving reports from residents of about 1,500 people indicating damage described as “serious” in a number of areas.

Emergency teams are working to assess the extent of the damage amid difficult weather conditions and continued strong winds.

Effects extend to Guam… Heavy rains and flash flood warnings

The neighboring island of Guam is on alert, with authorities warning of heavy rainfall ranging from 20 to 30 centimeters in the coming period.

These rains are expected to cause flash floods and water runoff in some low-lying areas.

Storm-sensitive area in the heart of the Pacific Ocean

The Northern Mariana Islands and Guam are located within a US territory with a population of about 210,000, and are among the areas most vulnerable to the effects of tropical cyclones in the Pacific Ocean.