Guam returned to Condition of Readiness 4 at noon Thursday, marking the end of the immediate destructive threat from Typhoon Sinlaku and the start of broader recovery operations, according to the latest updates from the Joint Information Center.
Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero and Rear Adm. Brett Mietus placed Guam and military installations in COR 4, while Joint Region Marianas moved to TCCOR 4. Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz and Naval Base Guam, including U.S. Naval Hospital Guam, returned to TCCOR 4 at noon, and Andersen Air Force Base followed at 2 p.m. Select installation services, including commissaries, fuel stations and other essential retail services, are beginning to reopen as conditions allow.
Government resumes, but public schools stay closed Friday
Government of Guam operations resumed at 2 p.m. Thursday. Officials said agencies are first assessing storm damage and determining whether offices are safe to occupy, and the public should expect possible delays as services fully restart.
All Guam Department of Education schools will remain closed Friday, April 17.
Water still dangerous, and roads remain hazardous
Even with COR 4 in effect, officials warned residents and visitors to stay out of the water because surf and sea conditions remain hazardous to dangerous. A high risk of rip currents is still in effect, and officials also advised people not to venture near shoreline trails, beaches or rocks because strong surf can knock people down and sweep them away.
The Guam Police Department and other agencies continued directing or monitoring traffic at major intersections Thursday evening, and the Guam National Guard is expected to begin supporting traffic control points along Marine Corps Drive on Friday morning. Motorists are being urged to use extreme caution, especially at intersections that may be inoperable, controlled or uncontrolled.
Marine Corps Drive, Route 1, in East Agana has reopened after debris was cleared from the roadway. Officials said the stretch from Shell East Agana to Alupang Pavilion is now safe to travel, with three northbound lanes and two southbound lanes open.
Updated boil-water guidance now in effect
Officials also updated water safety guidance for customers affected by storm-related water outages.
The Guam Waterworks Authority said its precautionary boil water notice applies only to customers who lost water service because of Typhoon Sinlaku. If water service was lost for 48 hours or less, customers may wish to boil water before consumption, but it is not mandatory. If water service was lost for 48 hours or more, boiling water before consumption is mandatory.
GWA also deployed a flextanker at Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School in Dededo and a 6,000-gallon water tanker at the Yigo gym. More tankers and flextankers are being prepared for deployment, and residents are being told to bring their own containers to collect water.
Shelter operations are being consolidated
The Guam Department of Education has begun consolidating shelter operations. Residents staying at George Washington High School, Talo’fo’fo Elementary School and Merizo Martyrs Memorial School are being moved to Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School.
After the consolidation, the remaining evacuation centers will be Astumbo Elementary School, Machananao Elementary School and Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School.
Green waste burning allowed under restrictions
The Guam Fire Department said open burning is temporarily allowed for green waste only, such as vegetation and yard trimmings, and no permit is required at this time.
Burning is allowed only between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Officials said burn piles must not exceed 5 feet by 5 feet, a water source must be available, and residents should not burn near homes or flammable materials. People are also being told to notify their nearest fire station before burning.
Business damage surveys underway
The Bureau of Statistics and Plans, working with other government agencies, has started preliminary business sector disaster damage assessments related to Typhoon Sinlaku.
Officials said surveys began Thursday and will continue through Friday. Businesses may receive phone calls or in-person visits from government personnel carrying official identification.
Hospital and court operations resume normal schedules
The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority said it remained fully operational throughout the storm and is resuming normal operations, including elective outpatient and clinical services, visitation and family viewing, effective Friday, April 17.
Officials said the hospital sustained no major structural damage, no staff or patients were injured, and there were no storm-related deaths reported. GMHA cared for 135 inpatients between April 13 and 16 and reported 10 births during the storm period.
The Judiciary of Guam will resume regular employee schedules Friday at 8 a.m. and fully reopen to the public at 9 a.m., including court check-ins, drug testing and probation appointments.
Telecom restoration continues
Telecommunications providers also continued restoring service Thursday afternoon. GTA said 60% of its cell sites were up and running, with inspections indicating limited initial damage. Docomo Pacific said about 65% of its wireless sites remained operational, with technicians continuing restoration work. The company also said some internet customers may be able to reconnect by restarting their modems if power has been restored to their homes.
Lifeline remains available
Officials said the GBHWC Suicide and Crisis Lifeline remains available around the clock. Community members can call or text 988 or chat online at 988lifeline.org.
