What is the name and location of the typhoon?
As of April 13, 2026, Super Typhoon Sinlaku is an active and rapidly intensifying system in the western North Pacific Ocean, located southeast of Guam and moving toward the Northern Mariana Islands (1).
Which cities or areas are affected by the typhoon?
The typhoon is expected to significantly impact multiple areas across the Mariana Islands region, including:
- Northern Mariana Islands including Saipan, Tinian, and Rota
- Guam, a U.S. territory in the western Pacific (2)
These regions are at risk of destructive winds, storm surge, flooding, and infrastructure damage as the typhoon approaches (3).
What is the projected path and intensity of the typhoon?
Super Typhoon Sinlaku is moving northwest and is expected to pass between Saipan and Tinian, tracking close to Guam, although a direct landfall is not certain (4).
The typhoon has reached Category 5 strength and poses a serious threat. It has maximum sustained winds of up to 287 km/h or higher, with sustained wind speeds around 185 mph and gusts exceeding 220 mph.
In addition to strong winds, the system may bring heavy rainfall exceeding 300 mm, along with dangerous storm surges.
Sinlaku developed from thunderstorms in Micronesia and rapidly intensified due to warm ocean waters and low wind shear (5).
Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?
Authorities have issued multiple warnings and taken preparedness measures across affected regions to protect residents from the approaching typhoon.
Typhoon warnings are in place for Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, where the most severe conditions are expected. Tropical storm warnings have been issued for Guam, where outer rainbands and strong winds are already beginning to impact the area. Officials have also declared a state of emergency in the Northern Mariana Islands to enable faster response and resource deployment.
Emergency shelters have been opened in public buildings such as schools and community centers to accommodate residents, particularly those living in vulnerable or non-concrete housing. In total, seven shelters have been established as precautionary measures to ensure public safety.
Residents are strongly advised to complete all necessary preparations, secure their homes, and follow instructions from local authorities, as life-threatening conditions including destructive winds, flooding, and storm surge are expected (6).
How can I protect myself from mold after flooding?
It’s important to take steps to prevent mold after a flood.
- Before entering a flooded area, make sure it is safe and free from electrical hazards or structural damage.
- Use protective gear: wear gloves, goggles, and a KN95/FFP2 mask to minimize exposure to mold spores.
- If there is still standing water, remove it as quickly as possible. Use pumps, wet-dry vacuums, or buckets to extract the water.
- Open windows and doors to facilitate air circulation and use fans, dehumidifiers, and HVAC systems to help dry the space. This step is crucial within the first 24-48 hours after flooding to prevent mold growth.
- Remove and discard any items that have been severely damaged by floodwater and cannot be thoroughly cleaned and dried. This includes carpets, upholstered furniture, mattresses, and any other porous materials.
- Thoroughly clean all hard surfaces with a detergent or cleaner suitable for mold remediation. Use a solution of 1.5 cups of bleach mixed with one gallon of water to disinfect nonporous surfaces. Never mix bleach with ammonia or other cleaning products, as the fumes are toxic.
- Maintain an indoor relative humidity (RH) of 35-50%. High humidity promotes mold growth, so consider using dehumidifiers in damp areas.
- Run a high-performance air purifier for mold, both during and after the mold removal work.
- If the flooding and mold damage are extensive, consider contacting professionals specializing in mold remediation to ensure proper cleanup and restoration.
Remember, mold can pose health risks, so it's important to take these steps promptly and thoroughly. If you experience persistent mold-related health issues or have concerns about extensive mold growth, consult with a medical professional or a mold remediation specialist.
