Super Typhoon Sinlaku Batters Pacific

Packing sustained winds of 173mph, Super Typhoon Sinlaku is being described as the most powerful storm to hit the region in eight years.

Residents across Saipan and Tinian have been forced into shelters as the inner eyewall of the storm moved ashore.

The National Weather Service in Guam has issued extreme wind warnings, citing a high risk of flying debris and collapsed buildings.

Emergency crews are on standby to assess the full extent of the devastation once the storm passes.