SAIPAN — The Department of Public Lands has temporarily closed Managaha Island to all general public access, citing biohazard concerns, fire hazards and unstable terrain identified in an on-site assessment after Super Typhoon Sinlaku, the agency said Wednesday.
The assessment was conducted by the Secretary of DPL in coordination with SAI, the island’s main concessionaire, and identified three urgent conditions requiring immediate action, DPL said.
The assessment found biohazard concerns from the presence of dead birds across the island, fire hazards caused by dried trees and accumulated debris that could easily ignite, and significant sand shifts both onshore and offshore creating unstable terrain and hazardous swimming conditions.
Given the combined risks, DPL has determined that Managaha Island will remain closed until further notice, the agency said.
DPL will issue updates through official social media channels and local media outlets. The public will be informed as soon as the island is deemed safe and ready to reopen.
The agency thanked the community for its understanding and cooperation as mitigation efforts proceed.
For questions, the public may contact the Office of the Secretary of DPL at (670) 234-3751, 3752, 3753 or 3754.
