Guam will soon take part in the world’s largest earthquake drill, the Great ShakeOut. On Thursday, October 19, 2023 at 10:19 a.m. (ChST), participants will practice the earthquake response procedure; “Drop, Cover and Hold On” from wherever they are. The drill will last for one minute.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is scheduled to conduct a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) and the Wireless Emergency Alert (WEA) on October 4, 2023 beginning at 2:20 p.m. (EDT), which converts to Thursday, October 5, 2023 at 4:20 a.m. (ChST).

Flood Advisory in Effect; Drive with Caution through this Morning

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office advised a trade-wind trough and a monsoon trough are converging over Guam and Rota this morning. The two features will interact bringing heavy rain.

Earthquake Recorded 

The U.S. Geological Survey recorded an earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 4.8 that struck 33 km ESE of Inarajan Village, Guam, with a depth of 45.8 km, at 6:04 p.m. (ChST). 

As advised by the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center, there is no tsunami threat to the Marianas from the earthquake. There were no major damages or injuries reported from the earthquake.

Mawar Debris Cleanup Completed in 9 Villages

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Typhoon Mawar debris mission continues to move forward as debris cleanup from residential rights of way was completed in the villages of Tamuning, Talo’fo’fo and Inalahan this week. The debris mission continues in nine villages, with one village to be scheduled.

Thunderstorm Advisory in Effect; Practice Caution

The National Weather Service (NWS) Guam Weather Forecast Office issued a thunderstorm advisory, in effect for the Guam International Airport until 4:30 p.m. this afternoon. Thunderstorms are possible or occurring within 20 nautical miles of the airport. Be alert and take precautions as required.