War in the Pacific |  |
The following Incident Reports were extracted from the NPS Morning Reports/Coalition Reports from 1989-current. They are not a complete record of all incidents which occurred in this park during this timeframe. INCIDENTS | |
|
October 14, 1987 Location: Asan Beach S.B. was one of four divers who were diving to 140' off the beach. He went down, but never came back up. Two of his fellow divers dove to 210' before finding his body. Because of the haste needed to find him and bring him up, the two who recovered him had to be taken to a decompression chamber to deal with the bends. They were reported to be doing OK. No cause for the fatality has been determined.
Western Region received a fax from War in the Pacific yesterday reporting that Typhoon Russ was threatening the park, that they were in the process of taking necessary precautions, and that they would likely be closed down for some time. We will provide you with a follow-up report as soon as we hear from the park again. (Telephone report from Phil Ward, RAD/WRO, 12/20).
Staff at War in the Pacific report that they are anticipating the arrival of a typhoon, which was expected to pass directly over Guam yesterday morning. Winds of from 70 to 85 mph are expected. American Memorial on Saipan may also be affected by the typhoon. [Rose Manibusan, CR, WAPA, 8/27]
Typhoon Omar passed directly over Guam with winds of up to 160 mph on Friday, August 21st. The ocean came up to the steps of the visitor center but did not enter; the building suffered water damage, however, because several windows were blown out. No other significant damage has been reported. The storm completely destroyed the homes of employees John Miyaski and Leon Guerrero. Although there were no reported injuries to NPS employees of their families, a retired Denver Service Center employee who was serving as a consultant was killed in a storm-related incident. Jay Bright, who retired as manager of DSC's Central Team in 1989, was traveling down a mountain road in a bus with some other workers when the bus was caught in an avalanche and pushed off the road. Everyone on board the bus was killed. Jay leaves his wife, Bev, and some grown children. Messages of condolence may be sent to Bev at 3911 South Juniper Circle, Evergreen, CO 80439. [Rose Manibusan, CR, WAPA; Bryan Harry, Pacific Area Director, and Terry Wood, E&AA; 8/31]
The park suffered major damage to beaches and inland resources during the passage of Typhoon Omar directly over Guam on August 28th. Three employees lost their homes to storm winds that ranged up to 175 mph. The park maintenance staff helped all three families secure their belongings and erect temporary covers over their homes. All employees experienced some damage to personal property, ranging from broken windows to damaged cars and appliances. The entire island lost electrical service, and most areas are still without electricity. Damages will likely be compounded, as the lack of air conditioning means that rust and mold will increase. The Arizona Memorial Museum Association has set up a relief fund to purchase needed supplies, food and repair materials for employees. A typhoon cache was established, and many of the appliances bought for this emergency will be returned for use in future such incidents. The visitor center had several broken windows and the entire administrative area was soaked. Electrical service is out here as well, and extremely high humidity in the building is jeopardizing files and equipment. A 30kw generator was purchased in Honolulu and was scheduled to arrive on Monday or Tuesday. The visitor portion of the building has been closed. The Asan Beach area was littered with downed trees and debris, and several artifacts on display there were damaged. It will be closed until clean-up is completed. The Asan Inland and Piti Guns units suffered major tree loss, and the trail to the guns is impassable. Piti Guns will probably be closed until November. The Agat Unit suffered major damage, including destruction of picnic sites and restrooms, downed trees and washed out roadways. Minor damage was inflicted on several other units. [Edward Wood, Superintendent, WAPA/AMME, 9/7]
The Arizona Memorial Association has set up a fund for employees' whose homes were damaged by Typhoon Omar. Contributions may be sent to: Typhoon Omar Fund, Arizona Memorial Association, c/o USS Arizona Memorial, 1 Arizona Memorial Place, Honolulu, HI 96818. [RAD/WRO, 9/10]
As of yesterday afternoon, Typhoon Brian was about to strike Guam with winds of from 100 to 125 mph. The park was securing facilities and suspending operations effective at 1 p.m. local time. The entire staff was being placed on administrative leave and was to be sent home as soon as island preparedness was upgraded to Condition 1. Several employees who lost their homes during Typhoon Omar in August asked for and have been granted shelter in the park's maintenance building. Details will follow on future morning reports. [Edward Wood, Superintendent, WAPA, 10/19]
The eye of Typhoon Brian passed directly over the Agat and Mount Alifan Units of the park late on the morning of October 21st. Fortunately, the storm lacked the strength of Typhoon Omar, which devastated the island in August. Maximum sustained winds had been predicted for up to 125 mph, but actual measurements put them at 85 mph, with gusts to 120 mph. Average rainfall estimates for the 24-hour period during which the storm passed over the island have been placed at about ten inches. The park was closed at 6 p.m. on October 19th and reopened at 7 a.m. on October 22nd. [Bryan Harry, Director, Pacific Area, 10/22]
The park was closed on November 2nd in anticipation of Typhoon Elsie, which forecasters said would pass near the island of Guam around midday on the 3rd. All employees were to be placed on administrative leave until after the storm. At the time of the report, the storm had sustained winds of 120 mph and gusts up to 150 mph, and forecasters believed winds would be over 100 mph by the time the eye passed near the southern tip of the island. Further reports will follow as information becomes available. [Herb Gercke, RAD/WRO, 11/3]
At 1 a.m. yesterday morning, Typhoon Condition 1 was declared for the island due to the approach of Typhoon Hunt, and the park was accordingly closed. At the time of the report (6 a.m. yesterday), the typhoon was located about 150 miles east-southeast of Guam and was moving in a westerly direction at 17 mph. It had sustained winds of about 70 mph, with gusts around 90 mph. The storm was expected to pass within 40 miles of the island. All park personnel are on administrative leave until the typhoon passes. [Superintendent, WAPA, 11/17]
The eye of Typhoon Hunt passed across the northern part of Guam at about 1:30 p.m. on November 18th (November 17th in the continental U.S.). Maximum sustained winds were estimated at 75 mph, with gusts to 95 mph. Damage to the park and the island as a whole was minimal. The park closed all facilities and offices at 8 a.m. that morning and all employees were sent home on administrative leave. The park reopened all facilities at 7 a.m. the following day. Typhoon Gay is now approaching the area, and is expected to reach "super typhoon" strength (sustained winds of 175 mph) when it reaches the Guam area. The storm is still too far away to accurately predict the track, but it is expected to pass through the Guam-Saipan area early next week. Updates will be provided as appropriate. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA, 11/19 (area date)]
The eye of Typhoon Gay passed over Guam at 9:45 a.m. on November 23rd (just before 7 p.m. EST November 22nd), but did not cause either injuries to park staff or significant damage to either the park or to the personal property of park employees. Prior to making landfall, the storm had sustained winds of 185 mph, gusts over 225 mph, and damaging winds (those over 60 mph) spreading over 300 miles from the eye. By the time it struck Guam and Saipan, sustained winds had dropped to 120 mph, with gusts reaching 150 mph. The only facility damage reported at War in the Pacific was soaking of carpets from water that came in through window frames and the flooding of the visitor center basement. The remainder of the park received washovers that left rocks and debris blocking the roadway and parking areas at the Asan Beach Unit and visitor center. Picnic areas at Asan, Apaca and Gaan were rendered unusable and will require clearing and reconstruction. Despite the damages, the park reopened at 7 a.m. on the 24th. The visitor center will open for regular hours on the 25th. Damages to American Memorial on Saipan were also minimal and limited to some beach washovers and fallen trees. That park has also reopened. Typhoon Gay was the fifth such storm to strike Guam in the last three months. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA; Phil Ward, RAD/WRO; both 11/23]
An earthquake which registered between 8.1 and 8.2 on the Richter scale struck Guam at 6:35 p.m. on August 8th. The epicenter was reported to be from 25 to 50 miles north of the island. The quake inflicted only minor damage to the park, mostly in the administrative offices, where books, files and supplies were dumped from shelves and drawers. There are some minor cracks in the visitor center's concrete walls, but the building appears to be structurally sound; no other park structures show any sign of damage. Several small earth slides also occurred within the park. Park staff members have reported in, and there are no reports of injury or major damages to any personal property or residences. Several major hotels outside the park were destroyed and will have to be razed. Despite the severity of the damage to these and other structures, only minor injuries have been reported islandwide. Electrical power is out throughout the island, with many downed lines and poles. Water and sewer systems are also out due to broken pipes and the lack of power to pumps. At least four highway bridges either fell or have been declared unsafe, and the roadway in the Fonte Plateau Unit of the park has a two inch crack down the center where the road slid down the hillside. Numerous after-shocks have been experienced and are expected to continue for some time. Apparently no tsunami occurred and the park was spared major water damage. The visitor center will remain closed until power is restored. Park units are open, but restroom facilities are closed until utilities can be restored. Telephone service is largely intact. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA/AMME, 8/9]
Since the earthquake of August 8th, the island of Guam has been struck by over 200 aftershocks, with five tremors in excess of 5.1 on the Richter scale. The minor cracks in the walls of the visitor center have expanded, and many additional cracks have appeared. The superintendent closed the building to all visitors as of 7 a.m. (Guam time) on August 11th. Visitor center personnel have been reassigned to duties in the maintenance building and all administrative personnel have been moved to that location. This change will remain in effect until a structural analysis of the visitor center can be completed and the building can be certified as sound. GSA is sending a structural engineer from Honolulu who will arrive late on August 12th. Park maintenance crews are concentrating on the removal and stabilization of debris and rocks at the numerous earth slides throughout the park. All other park facilities are open and operational. [Edward Wood, Superintendent, 8/11]
On June 12th, the park hosted a short wreath laying ceremony at the Mambini monuments in the park's Asan Beach unit. Former Philippines President Coruzon Aquino placed wreaths at the monuments in recognition of the contributions of the exiled revolutionaries who were incarcerated at the park's location in 1901. A small crowd of Filipinos attended, as did representatives of the press. Moderate security was provided by the Guam police department and private body guards. No problems were encountered. [Edward Wood, Superintendent, WAPA/AMME, 6/20]
On July 23rd, Western Region's all risk incident management team completed its assignment to assist the park with the 50th anniversary commemoration of the liberation of Guam. Eight events occurred at seven parks sites over the course of three days. Total estimated visitation at all events was about 7,000, including 2,000 returning veterans and their spouses. Despite temperatures in the upper 80s and low 90s and very high humidity, no medical problems were encountered. The incident was jointly managed by the NPS, military, Guam police and civic agencies, and respective village mayors and was highly successful. That success was evident in subsequent request from the governor's office and from the Navy for information and assistance on other events they will be planning and conducting. [WAPA, 7/24]
Super Typhoon Wilda, packing sustained winds of 150 mph and gusts reaching 175 mph, was less than 100 miles north of Saipan yesterday and was headed in a southwesterly direction at about eight mph. Saipan was expecting high winds and gusts up to 110 mph, so American Memorial Park was closed. War in the Pacific was also closed due to high winds and lack of electricity. At the time of the report, winds in Guam were averaging 35 to 50 mph, with gusts over 70 mph. Heavy rains were predicted for both islands. Telephones were still operational, but system breakdown was deemed likely. Extremely heavy surf was expected, and damages from high water and wave action were thought likely. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA/AMME, 10/25]
Super Typhoon Wilda made its closest approach to the islands around 6 p.m. on October 25th - about 55 miles northeast of Saipan and about 185 miles northeast of Guam. Fortunately, the storm, which packed sustained winds of 150 mph and gusts up to 185 mph, turned on a northerly at that time and moved away from the area. Both parks are open and operational. Damages at War in the Pacific were minimal. There was some washover of Ga'an Point, and all the trees recently planted at the Asan Bay overlook blew down. American Memorial Park sustained more extensive damage. Since the winds there were over 115 mph, some 30 or 40 large trees were blown down and a major "reorganization" of Micro Beach occurred. The pavilion at that beach is now acting as a breakwater at high tides. No other structural damage occurred there or on Guam, however. A six- man cleanup crew has been dispatched to Saipan to assist with the removal of down and damaged trees and shrubs. They will be working two days to assist the small resident crew. The park should be back in full operation in about a week. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA/AMME, 10/28]
For the second time in as many weeks, a typhoon is threatening the island of Saipan and American Memorial Park. Typhoon Zelda, packing sustained winds of over 100 mph with gusts to 140 mph, is projected to pass near or over the island late on the afternoon of November 3rd (yesterday, as the island is across the international date line). The storm has been strengthening and may be more severe when it reaches the park. All park facilities have been closed and buildings secured; employees have been sent home on administrative leave until Zelda passes. War in the Pacific on Guam has made preparations for the storm, but no facilities or units have been closed due to the northerly track of the typhoon. Windy conditions and heavy rains are predicted for Guam, but winds are expected to be less than gale force. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA/AMME, 11/3]
The islands of Guam and Rota were placed on typhoon alert for approaching Typhoon Isa at 7 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16th. The park secured all facilities and closed down operations at that time; all employees were sent home. The typhoon was expected to pass within 40 miles of the park with sustained winds of 120 mph and gusts to 145 mph during the afternoon of April 17th. Fortunately, the typhoon passed during the early morning hours and failed to make the predicted northward turn. The eye passed about 140 miles southwest of Guam and continued into the Philippine Sea. Although heavy rains and gusty winds were experienced, no damage was recorded at the park and operations resumed today. This storm is now a "super typhoon" with winds in excess of 160 mph, but tracking westward and away from both War in the Pacific and American Memorial. The storm is unusually early for the typhoon season, which normally begins near the end of May. It has been suggested that the storm may be a result of global warming and the first of a very long season for Micronesia. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA, 4/18]
The Korean Airlines 747 which crashed on approach to the Guam International Airport around 1 a.m. on August 6th (local time) stuck the ground on Nimitz Hill about 750 yards southeast of the park's Fonte Plateau unit. All but about 30 of the approximately 250 passengers and crew members were killed. Incident command was set up under the Guam civil defense system; units responded from all major government agencies, including the National Park Service. Survivors have been evacuated. Fires continue to burn in the area, but all are contained. There are unconfirmed reports that a 16-inch fuel pipeline that crosses the crash site was severed. The crash site is located in a jungle drainage downslope from the park unit, however, and it appears that there won't be any direct impacts on the park from fire, debris or rescue efforts. The aircraft was scattered over an area of five to ten acres. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA, 8/6]
Both American Memorial (Saipan) and War in the Pacific NHP (Guam) were closed on the afternoon of November 1st in anticipation of the arrival of super typhoon Keith. All staff were sent home to weather the storm. Both islands were placed on typhoon condition I early on the morning of November 2nd, as the storm was predicted to pass over the island of Rota later that day with maximum sustained winds of 180 mph and gusts to 225 mph. The estimated closest approach to the parks will be 54 nautical miles north of Guam and 65 nautical miles south of Saipan. Keith was reported to be an extremely dangerous storm; both areas were expecting sustained winds in excess of 115 mph. This is the third such super typhoon to pass through the area in the past three weeks and comes just as American Memorial completed clean-up from super typhoon Joan. The heavy rains and extremely strong winds have caused major damage to the islands' vegetation and washouts along the shorelines, but no facilities have been damaged. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, AMME/WAPA, 11/2]
Super typhoon Keith passed over the island of Rota (65 miles north of Guam and 60 miles south of Saipan) at 4 p.m. on November 2nd with sustained winds of 190 mph and gusts to 230 mph. Both War in the Pacific NHP and American Memorial Park experienced sustained winds in excess of 100 mph (with gusts much higher) and torrential rains. War in the Pacific suffered only minor vegetation damage and lost electrical power late in the day. The visitor center reopened on emergency generator power yesterday morning; operations will return to normal when municipal power is restored sometime during the next several days. Park units are open for visitation while cleanup takes place. American Memorial Park suffered major vegetation damage and flooding and most of the restorations completed last week following the earlier passage of super typhoon Joan were destroyed and will need to be redone. Minor damage was inflicted on the stage building and amphitheater and some damage was recorded at the Court of Honor. Electrical power has not been restored and all facilities remain closed. Visitors are allowed along the beaches, but most roads and trails are blocked by downed trees. It will take at least three days to clear debris from the roads and open a majority of the park. A crew has been dispatched from WAPA to assist with the cleanup. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA/AMME, 11/3]
All units and facilities in the park were closed yesterday afternoon (local time) in preparation for the arrival of super typhoon Paka. The forecast called for the eye of the typhoon to pass over Guam on the evening of December 16th (local time) with maximum sustained winds of 160 mph and gusts to 190 mph. All employees have been released to secure their homes. This is the fourth super typhoon to affect the park this year. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA, 12/15]
Operations at American Memorial Park on Guam were suspended on December 16th (local time) due to the imminent arrival of the super typhoon. War in the Pacific NHS on Guam was closed on the 14th. Although no reports have since been received from either area, the Associated Press this morning reports that the typhoon struck Guam with sustained winds of 150 mph and much higher gusts - including one of 236 mph, the highest wind speed ever recorded on earth. There were no reported deaths, but up to 3,000 families lost their homes. Electricity was knocked out for nearly the entire island. The governor of the island has declared a state of emergency and asked the White House for a federal disaster declaration. [Chuck Sayon, Site Manager, AMME, 12/16; Associated Press, 12/17]
Super typhoon Paka hit Guam - site of War in the Pacific NHP - on December 16th, with the eye passing just over the northernmost portions of the island (American Memorial on Saipan was spared from all but minor impacts). The eye had a double eye wall, which meant that most of the island received severe winds twice on each side of the storm. It also meant that the winds were nearly continuous at 140 mph from 2 p.m. until after 1 a.m. on the 17th; only the direction changed. Numerous gusts were reported in the 175 to 190 mph range, with some exceeding 230 mph. Damage, accordingly, is extensive. All park staff and their families are safe. Almost all homes had some flooding from water that came through windows (some broken by the wind), doors, and cracks. Several employees reported major damage to personal belongings, but no one is reporting any special needs. The superintendent reports that "the park has held together as a family to help each other." The park itself was devastated, with all units suffering major resource damage. The visitor center/administrative building was inundated by a storm surge which flooded the basement with upwards of eight feet of sea water. Wave action apparently continued throughout the storm and swept away the locked chain link gates as well as two storage areas. In preparation for the storm, the building's emergency generator was moved to higher ground; it survived the storm without damage and is back in operation. The first floor museum area was flooded with two to three inches of rain water on the carpet. The roof access door was blown off, and a waterfall evidently flowed down the stairwell to the basement, where another access door was ripped off its hinges by wave action. The administrative areas on the second floor suffered only minor water damage. The beach units of the park, comprising a total of a little over 150 acres, were completely washed over and are now covered with rocks up to two feet in diameter. Since these are all mowed areas, the rock will have to be removed before the grass can be cut. Most trees are either down (uprooted and blown over) or completely denuded. Even the stately old trees which survived many storms in the past are gone. A major portion of the Asian Beach palm tree forest has been destroyed. The Piti Guns unit suffered the loss of almost all standing trees. The high tension powerline which crossed the area was destroyed, and the high voltage lines are strung across the fallen vegetation. The guns are covered with broken trees and the access trail is virtually inaccessible. The Agat units are largely underwater. Apaca picnic area has up to a foot of water on its trails, and all the picnic shelters have been destroyed. The large mango trees at Gaan Point have been badly damaged, and a majority of their branches are broken or missing. The only unit that appears to have been spared from major damage was the Asan Bay overlook and memorial. The vegetation has been blown down, but all structures and roadways there are in good shape. The park was fortunate, however, as a large number of the buildings on Guam were completely destroyed. All electrical power is out on the island and it may be months before power is restored to some sections. Water is also in short supply, since the municipal system requires electricity for distribution. Only the telephone system (including park phones) has functioned throughout the ordeal. Roadways are strewn with debris. The airport was damaged but has reopened. Apra harbor is badly damaged, so shipments of recovery supplies may be delayed for weeks. There are over 1,200 homeless families on the island as a result of Paka, but most have found places to stay with neighbors and friends. Relieve agencies have emergency teams standing by for the first available flights and should be on island within the next several days. The superintendent has sent along an additional note: "Thanks to everyone who has sent messages of concern and support. It is a tough time for us all and we appreciate knowing that we are not alone in our struggles. We wish you all a happy holiday season." [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA, 12/18; Chuck Sayon, Site Manager, AMME, 12/17]
The park and park staff are slowly recovering from the severe damages inflicted by super typhoon Parka, which struck Guam on December 17th with winds from 175 to 230 mph. The following are highlights from a more extensive report recently prepared by the park: o Damage estimates are still under preparation, but it's estimated that the total will reach at least $1 million. The park is focusing its efforts on restoring the visitor center and the facilities at Asan Beach. The visitor center is now in operating condition and is functioning on emergency generator power, but remains closed to the public to permit drying and rehabilitation of its contents. It's estimated that it will take a crew of 20 emergency hires at least a month to remove debris from the Asan beach unit. o Power is still out to 90% of the island, and it appears that it will be several months before it will be restored to all areas. o Hawaii Volcanoes NP has provided personnel to assist in the recovery and has shipped a dump truck to the park. The Arizona Memorial Museum association has provided much-needed supplies, including a refrigerator and washer and dryer which can be used by employees who have no power at home. FWS has also provided an evidence freezer which employees can use to store food. o Staff members are beginning to show some signs of exhaustion, and efforts are being made to assure that everyone is rotated and gets adequate rest. The lack of electricity and air conditioning at residences makes the office the most attractive alternative for non-field staff. Those with families are more apt to return home when provided with the opportunity to do so. The park does not currently anticipate a need for additional overhead, except for select NPS professionals to assist in damage assessment and rehabilitation planning. [Ed Wood, Superintendent, WAPA, 12/29]
The park is slowly recovering from the severe damage inflicted by super typhoon Paka, which struck Guam on December 16th and 17th with sustained winds of 150 mph and gusts to 185 mph - the most destructive storm to strike the island since typhoon Pamela in 1976. Sustained winds of greater than 60 mph were recorded for between 16 and 20 hours, and about 21 inches of rain fell on the island. The typhoon also produced destructive surf conditions, with sea heights from six to 30 feet above normal. All seven units of the 1,961-acre park (about 1,000 acres are underwater and include coral reefs) were struck by the full force of the winds, and shoreline units suffered from the coastal surge. The park's staff began assessing damage to facilities and cleaning up park areas as soon as the typhoon passed. Structural and historic landscape technical assistance was provided by Pacific West Region personnel, and the Department's Northern States Burned Area Emergency Rehabilitation (BAER) team arrived on site on January 16th. The team was asked to prepare a rehabilitation plan which would address the typhoon's impact on park resources and would include both short-term and long-term needs. The three primary objectives of the plan are as follows: - assess the damage to park infrastructure and natural and cultural resources; - prescribe rehabilitation measures to protect human life, property, and cultural and natural resources; and - restore the integrity of lands affected by the typhoon in accord with the GMP, statement for management, resources management plan, NPS management policies, and all relevant state and local laws, policies and regulations. The inter-agency, inter-disciplinary team consists of a vegetation specialist, wildlife biologist, marine biologist, archeologist, GIS specialist, and computer/documentation specialist. On January 28th, the team conducted a briefing for the public and interested agencies on the team's observations and recommendations for rehabilitating park resources. The rehabilitation plan should be completed by early February. [Erv Gasser, BAER Team Leader, 1/28]
President Clinton laid a wreath at the World War II memorial at the Asan Bay overlook on November 23rd. The park's memorial wall honors the American servicemen killed liberating Guam and the local Chamorros who perished or suffered during the Japanese occupation of the island. Local World War II veterans participated in the ceremony. Park staff made presentations on the battle for Guam and provided assistance to the Secret Service. Support was provided by rangers from several other parks. [Russ Wilson, Acting Superintendent, WAPA/AMME, 11/24]
Typhoon Saomai, which was forecast to pass north of the island of Saipan late last night, headed southward instead and became stationary approximately 150 miles southeast of Saipan and 185 miles east of Guam. It was downgraded to a tropical storm early Wednesday morning with sustained winds of 60 mph, but is expected to strengthen and regain typhoon status within 24 hours as it begins to move in a north-northwesterly direction through the Northern Mariana Islands chain. Tropical storm warnings remain in effect for Saipan, and a tropical storm watch is now in effect for Guam. Both parks are experiencing heavy local flooding. Park operations at American Memorial Park and War in the Pacific NHP remain suspended until further notice. Current predictions by the National Weather Service are for the typhoon to pass within 50 miles of Saipan to the northeast on Thursday afternoon. [Chuck Sayon, Site Manager, AMME, and Karen Gustin, Superintendent, WAPA, 9/6]
The imminent arrival of Typhoon Chataan prompted the declaration of typhoon condition two for the area at 3 p.m. on July 4th (local time), which in turn led to the immediate termination of Fourth of July activities at the park and an orderly evacuation of the 4,000 to 5,000 people who braved rain and windy conditions to attend the festivities. Aerial fireworks were launched for safety reasons around 3:30 p.m. once the area was secured by local emergency management, fire and police personnel (local storage was inappropriate due to anticipated typhoon conditions and repackaging was deemed too hazardous). The park's marina, which is a designated safe harbor under Saipan's typhoon contingency plan, was filled with commercial and small pleasure craft. At the time of the report, the typhoon was located 205 miles east-southeast of Guam and 230 miles southeast of Saipan and moving northwest at 14 mph. Maximum sustained winds were 85 mph, but the storm was expected to intensify. The park has been closed and all operations have been terminated. [Chuck Sayon, Site Manager, AMME, 7/4]
Typhoon Chata'an passed through the Mariana Islands on July 5th, passing directly over Guam and causing extensive damage. Winds were clocked at over 120 mph. The visitor center at War in the Pacific remains closed due to flooding. Power on the island of Guam is out and may remain out for up to a month in some areas. Phone lines are out as well. A full damage assessment is underway. Winds of from 30 to 50 mph struck Saipan along with periods of heavy rain. Damage to the park was light to moderate; rehab will be limited to cutting hazard trees, making repairs to beaches, and landscaping. A scaled down Fourth of July celebration was held on the morning of July 6th. It included the launching of remaining fireworks. About 6,000 people attended. [Chuck Sayon, WAPA, 7/8]
Preparations are underway at American Memorial Park in Saipan and War in the Pacific NHP in Guam (the two are referred to by the latter for brevity's sake) for the arrival of Typhoon Halong. The storm is currently located 140 miles southeast of Guam and 225 miles south of Saipan and moving west-northwest at 15 mph. It's expected to pass just south of Guam; although it currently has maximum sustained winds of 85 mph and gusts to 105 mph, it's expected to strengthen before arriving in the area. The VC at War in the Pacific, slightly damaged by Typhoon Chata'an, has been closed since that storm passed over Guam late last week. All park staff remain at home. There have been no injuries to either staff or family members. Power, phones and other utilities on Guam remain sporadic and unavailable in most areas. Staff at American Memorial worked until noon on July 10th (yesterday on local time), then were sent home. [Chuck Sayon, Site Manager, AMME, 7/10]
Typhoon Halong, which threatened the two parks (War in the Pacific on Guam and American Memorial on Saipan), passed 100 miles south of Guam, affecting only the most southern portions of the island. Efforts are currently underway to make repairs and clean up following the passage of Typhoon Chata'an. Although damage reports are not yet available from the two parks, today's NICC report states that the Forest Service and FEMA have dispatched personnel to Guam, Micronesia and the Northern Marianas to provide disaster aid and supplies. The Forest Service has been tasked with organizing and staffing a receiving and distribution center and assisting with operational planning. [Chuck Sayon, WAPA, 7/12; NICC Incident Management Situation Report, 7/15]
Operations and preparations have been completed in the preparation for the arrival of Typhoon Pongsona, packing winds of approximately 125 mph with gusts up to 150 mph. At the time of the report (Saturday afternoon, U.S. time), the storm was located approximately 130 miles southeast of Guam and 205 miles southeast of Saipan and headed in a northwesterly direction at approximately 10 mph. The eye of the typhoon was expected to come within two miles of Guam and within 85 miles of Saipan. Heavy rains were falling and the wind was gusting. All operations at War in the Pacific NHP and American Memorial on Saipan will remain suspended until Tuesday. American Memorial's marina, designated as a safe harbor during typhoons, had been shut down and was full of large recreational marine and small commercial boats tied down and waiting for the storm's passage. [Submitted by Chuck Sayon, Superintendent]
American Memorial on Saipan weathered the passage of the super typhoon fairly well and reopened on the weekend, but War in the Pacific NHP on Saipan remains closed due to devastating island wide damage. Although all park staff are accounted for and no injuries have been reported, some have suffered significant personal property damage. Basic maintenance operations are being conducted from the park's maintenance shop. Most hotels have closed and expect to be out of business for the next three to six months. Water and power systems have been destroyed. Fuel shortages are now critical due to a fire in the storage tank farm at the port, which has been raging for the past several days. The Coast Guard is keeping all ships outside of the port until further notice. The airport has just resumed operations. [Submitted by Chuck Sayon, Superintendent]
On December 9, 2003, a thief broke into the park's
maintenance/administrative compound, located across the highway
from Asan Beach, and stole about $10,000 worth of government property,
including cellular phones, digital still and video cameras, and SCUBA
gear. An NPS special agent identified a suspect — I.T.
— by tracking cellular phone calls made on the stolen phones and by
employing other investigative techniques. When confronted by the agent,
I.T. confessed to the break-in. On June 16th, I.T. was indicted by a
grand jury on charges of theft of government property. He was arrested
by warrant the next day. When the break-in occurred, I.T. was on
supervised release from a federal probation office and performing
community service in the park. Other agencies assisting in the
investigation included the Department of Homeland Security/TSA and the
U.S. Probation Office.
Typhoon Chaba, which earlier this week was predicted to turn north of
Saipan, instead turned south, slowed and strengthened into a super
typhoon with sustained winds of up to 180 mph. the eye of the typhoon
passed about 50 miles to the south of Saipan on Tuesday, devastating the
neighboring islands of Rota and Tinian. At the time of the report, about
20% of Saipan was without power or water. Large trees with a base
diameter of from three to five feet fell throughout the park, and areas
of the site was flooded. More beach frontage was lost, and there was
more erosion at the park's Outer Cove Marina — sufficient to
threaten to undercut building foundations and roads along the water's
edge. None of the vessels in the marina were reported to have been
damaged. The roofs of some park buildings were damaged, but all
employees are safe and accounted for. Meanwhile, War in the Pacific on
Guam, located 150 miles south of Saipan, sustained some damage, but not
enough to greatly affect operations. Super Typhoon Chaba comes in the
wake of Typhoon Tingting which passed 60 miles north of the island of
Saipan on June 28th and caused extensive damage during that
episode.
On April 5th, I.T. was sentenced to a term of 21 months in jail for theft of government property from the park and for revocation of his supervised release. On December 9, 2003, I.T. burglarized the park's maintenance/administrative compound and removed government property. At the time the incident occurred, I.T. was on supervised release by the U.S Probation Office, District of Guam, and was performing community service in the park. I.T. received a 10 month sentence for the burglary and 11 months for the revocation of his supervised release. He will then be placed on supervised release for an additional thee years. He was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $8,030.05. [Submitted by Scott Hinson, SAC, Pacific West Region]
Sometime during the early hours of July 4th, 34 of the 99 bronze plaques on the memorial wall at the park were stolen. The panels were apparently pried of the wall with a crowbar. The Guam Police Department and National Park Service law enforcement are cooperating in the ongoing investigation. The Asan Bay Overlook will be closed to the public until law enforcement officers have completed their investigation. Constructed for the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of Guam, the memorial wall contains the names of 16,142 Americans and Chamorros who died or suffered war atrocities during the occupation and liberation of Guam during World War II. The names of the fallen are inscribed on 99 bronze plaques that stretch the length of the memorial wall. The memorial has become one of the most visited areas within War in the Pacific National Historical Park and is frequently the site of wreath layings and other commemorative events. [Sarah Creachbaum, Superintendent]
Sometime during the early hours of July 4th, 34 of the 99 bronze plaques on the memorial wall at the park were stolen. The panels were apparently pried of the wall with a crowbar. On July 6th, a 24-year-old man was arrested for the theft and seven of the 34 brass panels that were pried off and stolen from the Asan Bay Overlook were recovered. J.U.R.M.E. was arrested on charges of theft of property, criminal trespass, guilt established by complicity, and criminal mischief. A tip to Guam Crime Stoppers led to Elibosang's arrest. A woman from Xiongs Family Recycling called Guam Crime Stoppers and told authorities that the scrapyard had purchased the brass panels, which contain the names of Chamorros and Americans killed and/or tortured during the war. The woman's tip led to J.U.R.M.E., who police found at 6 p.m., fishing near Dead Man's Curve in Asan. He was taken into custody and later arrested in Tiyan. [Pacific Daily News]
On Tuesday, the governor of Guam ordered the cessation of shipment of outgoing scrap-metal containers from the island until the 27 remaining brass panels that were stolen from the park last week are accounted for. The Federal Bureau of Investigation and Customs have also joined the Guam Police Department in their ongoing investigation. "What these people have done is an insult to the people of Guam and to the memories of those who suffered and died during the war," said Governor Felix Camacho. "The incident is even more difficult considering that our island is preparing for our Liberation Day ceremonies." A total of 34 brass panels containing the names of thousands of Chamorros and U.S. servicemen who were tortured or killed during the Japanese occupation of Guam and its liberation were stolen last week from the park's Asan Bay Overlook. Police have so far recovered seven of the stolen panels and arrested J.U.R.M.E., 24, in connection with the incident. J.U.R.M.E. allegedly sold the panels to Xiong's Family Recycling in Harmon for $369. Authorities were informed of the alleged sale through a tip to the Guam Crime Stoppers hot line. J.U.R.M.E. has since been charged in court with felony theft by receiving and a special allegation of crime against the community. Camacho has also ordered the director of the Department of Revenue and Taxation to investigate other scrap-metal companies to ensure that they are in compliance with Public Law 28-8, which requires companies that deal with the transaction of scrap metal to keep detailed records of their transactions. Said Camacho: "These thieves have no conscience and we will not rest until we find all of those responsible." [Pacific Daily News]
Already facing federal charges for allegedly stealing stolen bronze nameplates from the Asan Bay Overlook on Nimitz Hill, J.E. has been indicted locally on charges of theft by receiving as a third degree felony. According to federal court documents, he sold 26 nameplates to Xiong's Family Recycling Company beginning in late June. He was remanded to the custody of U.S. Marshals and has a detention hearing scheduled for the 24th of this month in district court. In the meantime, authorities have stopped searching local scrap yards, as some of the stolen name plates were located in Hong Kong. The National Park Service estimates each nameplate as being worth $1,700. [KUAM, Guam]
The Guam Police Department, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the National Park Service have recovered 27 of the 34 bronze nameplates that were stolen from the Asan Bay Overlook Memorial. The plates were found in Hong Kong. The recovery stemmed from a cooperative effort by the FBI, Hong Kong customs and excise officials, Hong Kong police, the Department of Homeland Security, and Customs and Border Protection. No further arrests have been made. Other details of this investigation will be provided at a later date and time. [KUAM, Guam]
On October 29th, J.E. pled guilty in the District Court of Guam to stealing and then selling more than 30 bronze plates that bear the names of thousands of Chamorros and U.S. servicemen killed during World War II. J.E. pled guilty to charges of theft of government property, destruction of a veteran's memorial, and conspiracy to transport stolen goods to foreign commerce. Each of the charges carries with it a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison, a fine of $250,000, a $100 special assessment fee, and three year's probation, which, if violated, could result in an additional two years in prison. J.E. was arrested in July in connection with the theft of 34 bronze nameplates from the park's Asan Bay Overlook. An investigation was soon launched that involved both local and federal officials, including a law enforcement representative from the National Park Service. Governor Felix Camacho halted all outgoing shipments of scrap-metal containers until all the nameplates were recovered. J.E. is also facing charges in the Superior Court of Guam in connection with the same case. He will appear next week in the local court for a criminal trial on charges of theft by receiving stolen property with a special allegation of crime against the community. In federal court, J.E. will be sentenced on January 28th. [Stephanie Godlewski, Pacific Daily News]
On October 29th, J.E., 24, who was charged with stealing bronze panels from a park memorial, pled guilty in U.S. District Court in Guam to theft of government property, destruction of a veteran's memorial, and conspiracy to transport stolen goods in foreign commerce. Sentencing is set for January 28th. The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Guam and Northern Marianas Islands. The charges stemmed from last summer's theft of 34 bronze panels from the memorial, which were then sold to a local recycling company and shipped to Hong Kong. The replacement cost of the panels has been set at approximately $85,000. The panels were etched with the names of U.S. servicemen who died liberating the island of Guam in 1944 and the indigenous Chamorros who were killed and suffered war atrocities between 1941 and 1944. J.E. was also charged in Superior Court of Guam with theft by receiving stolen property and crimes against the community. Agencies participating in the investigation included the Office of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor, Guam Police Department, Crime Stoppers (Guam), Office of the Attorney General (Guam), FBI, Department of Customs and Quarantine (Guam), Hong Kong Customs, U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Guam, and National Park Service rangers and a special agent. [Scott Hinson, Special Agent in Charge, Pacific West Region]
J.E. was arrested in July, 2007, in connection with the theft of 34 bronze nameplates from the park's Asan Bay Overlook. The plaques carried the names of thousands of Chamorros and U.S. servicemen killed during World War II. Last October, J.E. pled guilty to charges of theft of government property, destruction of a veteran's memorial, and conspiracy to transport stolen goods to foreign commerce. Last week, he was sentenced to 21 months in prison and ordered to pay the federal government $58,800 in restitution. The assistant U.S. attorney is also considering filing charges against the recycling center that bought the plaques from J.E. once they are returned from Hong Kong, where they were shipped. [Pacific Daily News]
C.B.M., 20, has been charged in the Superior Court of Guam for vandalizing waysides, plaques and parts of the memorial at Asan Bay overlook that commemorates the more than 16,000 citizens and servicemen who fell trying to retake Guam from the Japanese in World War II. A plaque that memorializes the first Chamorros who died while serving their country in World War II had graffiti all over it - paint circled and covered the names that were carved into the marble. No estimate is yet available on what it will cost to repair the damage. In 2007, 34 brass panels with names were stolen and sold to a scrap yard for $1,584. J.E. was convicted of stealing the panels and sentenced to 21 months in both federal and local prisons. Temporary panels fill the gaps where J.E. pried the panels loose, but they will be replaced later this year when the National Park Service renovates the memorial with federal grant money. About 1,600 new and edited names that were collected from the memories of people within the local community will be added during the renovation, [Pacific Daily News]
The 8.9 earthquake that struck Japan last Friday - the fifth largest quake in the world since 1900 and nearly 8,000 times stronger than the one that recently devastated Christchurch, New Zealand - produced a tsunami that crossed the open and came up on the shores of park beaches from Guam to the West Coast. No visitor or employee injuries have been reported. The following summarizes reports submitted from all affected areas: American Memorial/War in the Pacific - There was a two-and-a-half foot surge on Saipan and a half foot surge on Guam. [Dean Ross, Deputy Chief of Emergency Services, WASO; Karen Gatewood, Acting Regional Chief Ranger, PWRO; Steve Chaney, Superintendent, REDW; Kim Coast, Acting Chief Ranger, GOGA; John Quinley, Public Affairs, ARO]
Although most media attention is focused on the imminent landfall of Hurricane Florence somewhere along the coastline between South Carolina and Virginia, three other tropical cyclones are or may soon be affecting parks in the western Pacific and Caribbean — Hurricane Isaac (Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico), Hurricane Olivia (parks throughout the Hawaiian Islands), and Typhoon Mangkut (War in the Pacific and American Memorial). The following reports are from parks in the path of Florence; the link below this summary provides a general overview of developments in all these areas. Source: NPS Hurricane and Severe Weather Response webpage.
Typhoon Yutu, which began as a tropical depression on October 21st, intensified explosively into a typhoon the following day and became a Category 5 super typhoon by October 24th. It passed over Guam, then struck the Northern Mariana Islands with 180 mile-per-hour winds that same day, making it the strongest typhoon to ever hit those islands. Two NPS sites were affected: War in the Pacific National Historical Park (Guam) — The park closed at noon on October 24th. Closures included the T. Stell Newman Visitor Center, park restrooms, gates, and all facilities. Programs were also canceled. The park reopened on October 26th, but no damage report has yet been received. For an overview of the impact of the typhoon on the Northern Marianas, see the Washington Post article below. Sources: NPS Hurricane and Severe Weather Response webpage, Washington Post. | |