Super Typhoon Sinlaku hits Marianas

Sinlaku is being described as the most powerful storm to hit the US territory in eight years, prompting a major emergency response from federal authorities.

Residents were forced to seek shelter for hours as the eyewall passed directly over the islands, bringing torrential rain and a dangerous storm surge.

While the storm has since been slightly downgraded, the threat of landslides and continued flooding remains high.

Recovery efforts are expected to be hampered by the remote location of the islands and the extent of the damage to the local power grid.