The severe heatwave gripping the eastern coast of the US has caused 19 deaths in New Jersey. Meanwhile, Typhoon Bavi, equivalent to a Category 5 storm, slammed Rota Island with devastating winds.
Heatwave death toll in New Jersey
New Jersey Health Commissioner Raynard Washington announced that the number of deaths suspected to be linked to the heatwave in the state had risen to 19. He said most victims were found in homes without air conditioning, and some were found on the streets or in parked cars.
The extreme heat, affecting the Midwest and East Coast, coincided with Independence Day celebrations. The National Weather Service issued a dangerous heat advisory for about 160 million Americans, urging people to stay indoors, check on their neighbors, and drink plenty of water.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill stressed the severity, saying, "This weather is extreme and dangerous. We are experiencing the longest stretch of high temperatures in more than 14 years." Experts note that such heatwaves are becoming more frequent and severe due to climate change.
Typhoon threat in the Pacific
Typhoon Bavi, with winds reaching 290 kilometers per hour, bore down on Rota Island. The National Weather Service warned that large parts of the island could be uninhabitable for weeks.
Officials on Rota Island, home to about 1,500 people, reported receiving calls of serious damage. Lou Rosario, a public information officer for the Rota Mayor's Office, said strong winds and flooding occurred, with residents reporting major property damage.
On neighboring Guam, 20 to 30 centimeters of rain is expected, which could lead to flash floods. Many homes not made of concrete and not reinforced face the risk of collapsing, roofs blowing off, and walls caving in. Typhoon Bavi follows Super Typhoon Sinlaku, which hit the region last April.
