JIC RELEASE NO. 14 - Governor Signs Executive Order No. 2023-03; Mandatory Evacuation of Coastal Areas Ordered

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero has issued Executive Order No. 2023-03, relative to the mandatory evacuation of low-lying coastal areas of Guam in anticipation of Typhoon Mawar. 

It is anticipated that Typhoon Mawar will be a high Category 3 typhoon, with sustained winds of 125mph. Typhoon Mawar is further intensifying, with the possibility of advancing to a Category 4 typhoon or a supertyphoon. Further, Guam is in the direct path of Typhoon Mawar and it is anticipated our island will be directly hit or a very near-miss.

EVACUATION OF LOW LYING, FLOOD-PRONE AND COASTAL AREAS. All residents in low lying, flood-prone and coastal areas, especially in the southern villages of Inalahan, Ipan, Talofofo, Malesso, Hagat and Umatac, are ordered to evacuate and seek shelter in private residences or designated government shelters in higher elevation no later than 6:00 p.m., on May 23, 2023.

1. The Guam National Guard is ordered to assist with the evacuation ordered herein, including the provision of transportation and other assistance necessary for the safe evacuation of the identified areas.

2. Pursuant to 10 GCA Section 65111, I further direct that the National Guard may regulate the control of traffic necessary to facilitate the rapid and safe movement of evacuees and government personnel assisting in the evacuation effort.

3. Mayors and mayoral staff are further authorized to assist in the evacuation of residents in their villages.

4. Due to the likelihood of a strong storm surge, all residents are to avoid coastal areas. The warning time for storms, while relatively predictable, is unlike a storm surge, which is far more unpredictable and of great concern. When sea levels rise, residents will have merely minutes to evacuate and respond. Thus, we must prepare now and anticipate the worst.

Governor Lou Leon Guerrero is expected to place Guam in Condition of Readiness (COR) 1 at 1 p.m. today. What this means is that destructive winds are possible within the next 12 hours. Simultaneously, Joint Region Marianas (JRM), Naval Base Guam (NBG), Andersen Air Force Base (AAFB), and Marine Corps Base Camp Blaz (MCBCB) will also be in Tropical Cyclone Condition of Readiness (TCCOR) 1 at 1 p.m.

Once the island is in COR 1, the community is advised to remain indoors until COR 4 is announced.

SEEK SHELTER NOW

The Guam Department of Education (GDOE) opened twelve (12) emergency shelters at 8 a.m., Tuesday, May 23:

Northern

• AsTumbo Elementary School

• Maria A. Ulloa Elementary School

• Machananao Elementary School

• Upi Elementary School 

• Wettengel Elementary School

Central

• B.P. Carbullido Elementary School 

• George Washington High School

Southern

• Talo’fo’fo Elementary School

• Merizo Martyrs Memorial School

• Harry S. Truman Elementary School

• Inalåhan Middle School

• M.U. Lujan Elementary School

WHAT SHOULD YOU TAKE TO THE SHELTER?

1. 7-day supply of food and water for all members of your family 

2. Bedding 

3. Personal hygiene products 

4. Medication 

5. 7-day of supply for infants and toddlers, including diapers and formula 

6. Valid Photo ID 

7. Important documents including birth certificates, passports and medical immunization cards 

SHELTER RULES 

1. Be respectful to fellow residents and staff. No foul language, abusive behavior, stealing or destruction of property will be accepted or tolerated

2. Busing to/from shelters is available at the Mayors’ Offices

3. Bring a 7-day supply of food, water & prescriptions; infants & toddlers should have a 7- day supply of disposable diapers, baby formula & baby food

4. Bring bedding, toiletries, toilet tissue, and personal hygiene products

5. Must complete registration. Bring a form of valid I.D.

6. Must report Tuberculosis or flu-like symptoms

7. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, and weapons are not allowed in the shelter or on the shelter grounds. Persons caught in possession will be asked to leave the shelter and in some cases turned over to law enforcement personnel. Persons determined to be under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs will not be admitted, or readmitted to the shelter. 

8. Public Law 21-139 dictates that there is no smoking on school premises. Smoking is not allowed in the shelter. Smoking is permitted outside the campus in designated smoking areas only. Please dispose of cigarette butts properly. 

9. Quiet hours will be announced and enforced in the sleeping areas. However, sleeping areas should be kept quiet at all times. 

10. If you bring vital documents (i.e. Birth records, passports, etc.), secure them or keep them on you at all times. The Shelter is not responsible for these items if stolen. 

11. Parents must maintain responsibility and supervision for their children. Children must never be left unattended. 

12. No cooking or gas stoves

13. For your safety DO NOT LEAVE THE SHELTER before COR 4 has been declared

14. Only service animals are allowed at this time.

15. Pets cannot be sheltered at this time. For those seeking shelter for their pets, make plans for them now to stay with a loved one, friend or family member as pets will not be allowed in the emergency shelters. 

TRANSPORTATION 

Those seeking shelter who do not have reliable transportation, or have a disability and need a ride to a designated storm shelter, are advised to contact their village Mayor’s Office for information on transportation. Residents will need to go to their respective Mayor’s Office for bus transportation to the shelters. Village Mayors’ contact information is listed below:

Visit the following links for the latest advisory information:

• NWS Website: https://www.weather.gov/gum/

• NWS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NWSGuam/

• GHS/OCD Website: https://ghs.guam.gov/

• GHS/OCD Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GHSOCD/

• JRM Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jrmguam 

For more information, contact the Joint Information Center at (671) 478-0208/10 or the GHS/OCD 24/7 watch desk at (671) 475-9600.

> View EO 2023-03 Relative to Mandatory Evacuation of Low-Lying Coastal Areas of Guam in Anticipation of Typhoon Mawar