A contractor in the Northern Marianas says termites vastly increased the damage caused by Typhoon Soudelor.
An aerial view of Saipan after Typhoon Soudelor. Photo: Facebook
The Typhoon hit the US territory three months ago causing widespread devastation.
The main island of Saipan suffered its first direct typhoon strike since 1968.
Chang Yoon Suk says termites weakened buildings making it easy for the Typhoon.
"Actually the houses get termite damage and all the join, all the structure connecting building to roof is going to be gone. So not only typhoon, just strong wind can lift off and take down the roof."
He says ninety nine percent of the destruction wouldn't have occured without the termite damage.