A big mess but no major damage

On the way: The damage (left) caused by high winds and rain after Mawar passed over Tumon Bay and a satellite image (above) showing the typhoon as moves away from Guam on Friday and is headed towards the Philippines. — AFP

HAGATNA: Chainsaws buzzed as neighbours helped neighbours clear toppled trees and began cleaning the wreckage of Typhoon Mawar, which walloped Guam as the strongest typhoon to hit the island in over two decades but appeared to have passed without leaving death or massive destruction in its wake.

While it was still early going in the recovery effort, police Sgt Paul Tapao said there did not seem to be any major damage, main roads were passable and “Guam has been very blessed to have no storm-related deaths or any serious injuries.”