Category 5 Super Typhoon Hits U.S. Pacific Islands, Rota Reports Major Damage

A super‑typhoon with winds equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane swept across the U.S. Pacific territories of the Northern Mariana Islands and Guam on Monday, prompting emergency officials to issue warnings and mobilize response teams. The storm, classified as a “super typhoon” by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, made landfall with sustained winds exceeding 150 mph, bringing torrential rain and widespread flooding to the region.

Authorities reported “major” damage on the small island of Rota, noting destroyed homes, downed power lines, and blocked roadways, while neighboring islands also experienced significant infrastructure impacts. Federal and local agencies have begun damage assessments and are coordinating relief efforts, with additional resources slated to arrive in the coming days to support recovery and restore essential services.