Saipan residents stock up on essentials as Typhoon Bavi nears

As Typhoon Bavi approaches the Marianas, Joeten Susupe is starting to get busy this afternoon with Saipan residents ensuring their households are ready. With the recent impact of Tropical Storm Sinlaku still fresh in their minds, shoppers are leaving nothing to chance. ​ For many, the urgency to prepare is rooted in hard-learned lessons. Lyn Santos, a resident of Kagman 3, used the afternoon to stock up on essentials to keep her family’s power and water running. ​"Well, for now, I just got some batteries, solar chargers, power banks, and way more containers for water just in case they turn off the water," Santos said. "Then, at least there's storage." ​ Santos noted that her family's mindset shifted dramatically after 2015's devastating Typhoon Soudelor. "It all started during Typhoon Soudelor where, you know, we took things for granted, so we were kind of relaxed, and then everything happened," she explained. "Since then, every time there's a storm, we want to be well-prepared, whether it hits hard or not. We are prepared, especially because we have kids." ​ While some residents are still recovering from the island's last weather event. Pearl, a resident of Fina Sisu, is currently housing extended family after Tropical Storm Sinlaku damaged their living arrangements. ​"I bought some necessities that we need for the typhoon, so we are preparing food for my kids and siblings because they are staying with me," Pearl said. "We still haven't really coped from Sinlaku. My place is still not safe to stay [and] it's crowded, but at the same time, all we can do is get gas and prepare a week of food."