An aerial shot captures the massive waves crashing onto the shores of Aparri town in Cagayan province, north of Manila, on October 31, following the passage of Super Typhoon Kong-rey through the northern town. AFP
The Philippines has ordered evacuations, stocked up on food supplies, and placed soldiers on standby in anticipation of Typhoon Yinxing, according to officials on Tuesday. The storm is heading towards northeastern towns where it is expected to make landfall this week. The typhoon's center, with winds reaching 120 kph, was estimated to be 590 km from the eastern town of Baler in Aurora province, according to the state weather agency Pag-asa. The local government ministry urged residents in remote areas to evacuate early, as rescuers might not be able to reach them during the storm's peak, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro explained.
"Various government agencies have coordinated efforts to issue early warnings, plan ahead, and pre-position the necessary goods and services," Teodoro stated during a briefing. Officials also mentioned that food supplies are being stockpiled, soldiers are ready to assist in rescue operations, and dams are releasing water in advance to prevent flooding. The storm is expected to make landfall between Thursday evening and Friday morning in the northern province of Cagayan, bringing heavy rain to the towns in its path, according to weather agency official Nathaniel Servando. However, there is still a possibility that the storm could change course.
Approximately 24 million people could be directly affected by the typhoon, according to Civil Defense Administrator Ariel Nepomuceno. This storm marks the third to hit the Philippines in less than a month, following Storm Trami and Super Typhoon Kong-rey, which recently battered the main island of Luzon, resulting in 151 deaths and 21 missing persons, according to Civil Defense figures.
"We have learned a lot. That's why our processes have been adjusted," Teodoro added. On average, the Philippines experiences around 20 tropical storms each year, bringing heavy rains, strong winds, and deadly landslides.
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