Guam heightens alert level after North Korea threats

In this Feb. 7, 2013 file photo, members of the 374th Airlift Wing of U.S. Air Force work on a C-130 aircraft during the Cope North military exercises at Andersen U.S. Air Force Base in Guam. There soon will be another military element to life on the U.S. territory _ a defense system will be installed to shoot down incoming missiles and warheads. Its deployment comes amid intensifying threats from North Korea, which recently listed Guam among its targets for a nuclear attack on the United States. AP/Koji Ueda, File

HAGATNA—Guam has raised its official threat level and on Thursday tested its emergency alert system after warnings from North Korea identifying the island as a potential missile target.

With a North Korean missile test expected at any time, authorities said the US territory in the western Pacific was on yellow alert, the middle phase of a three-step “traffic light” system comprising green, yellow and red levels.

“This is the same color used by government agencies to indicate there is a medium risk for the island,” the government said in a statement released late Wednesday.

“The government will continue to operate like normal, with a few government agencies participating in emergency preparedness and planning.”

Guam’s emergency alert system, which sets off sirens across the island and interrupts regular television and radio broadcasts to deliver information, was tested at 10:00 am (0000 GMT) Thursday.

The government also distributed fact sheets advising people how to protect their families and make doors and windows blast-proof with plastic and tape in the event of an emergency.

Governor Eddie Calvo said he had received assurances from US military commanders on the island of 180,000 people, which is dotted with American military facilities, that defences were “strong and adequate”.

“Even though we’re protected, it’s important we are vigilant,” he said. “Look at the fact sheets, be prepared and stay tuned for news coming out of the joint information center.”

Guam lies about 3,380 kilometers (2,100 miles) southeast of North Korea, meaning it is theoretically in range of Pyongyang’s Musudan missiles, although it remains unclear whether the weapons actually work.