Workers are seen clearing debris from a road in Gonzaga town, Cagayan province, following the aftermath of Typhoon Usagi. Photo: AFP
Philippine authorities have instructed all vessels to return to shore and urged residents in coastal areas to evacuate as Typhoon Man-yi approaches the storm-battered archipelago. Forecasters predict the storm will intensify before making landfall. The state weather forecaster has reported that the powerful storm has already intensified into a super typhoon, warning of "significant to severe impacts" from the winds and "life-threatening" storm surges. Around Catanduanes island, where Super Typhoon Man-yi is expected to hit, seas as high as 14 meters (46 feet) are anticipated.
Man-yi will be the sixth major storm to strike the Philippines in the past month, resulting in at least 163 deaths, thousands left homeless, and widespread destruction of crops and livestock. With wind gusts reaching up to 215 kilometers per hour (133 miles per hour), Man-yi is set to impact the sparsely populated island province of Catanduanes later today or early tomorrow. Approximately 255,000 people have already been evacuated from areas prone to landslides, flooding, and storm surges, according to interior undersecretary Marlo Iringan, who emphasized the importance of timely evacuation to avoid endangering lives and rescue efforts.
In Albay province, Myrna Perea, a Legazpi City grocer, and her family are among those seeking shelter in a school classroom. Despite the cramped and hot conditions, Perea believes it is safer to be in the shelter than in their vulnerable home. Scientists have highlighted that climate change is exacerbating the intensity of storms, leading to heavier rains, flash floods, and stronger gusts. The Philippines typically experiences about 20 major storms and typhoons annually, but multiple events within a short period are rare.
Evacuation centers on Catanduanes island are filling up, with the state weather forecaster warning of widespread severe flooding and landslides. Over 400 people have taken refuge in the provincial government building in Virac, with additional evacuees being directed to a nearby gymnasium. However, concerns about the gym's structural integrity have led to hesitancy among some residents. Disaster officer Roberto Monterola has deployed soldiers to ensure the evacuation of about 100 households in two coastal villages near Virac, fearing storm surges could inundate their homes.
The forecaster has cautioned that regardless of the exact landfall point, heavy rainfall, severe winds, and storm surges may affect areas outside the predicted zone. Man-yi is expected to continue intensifying and could reach super typhoon status in the coming hours. In Northern Samar province, disaster officer Rei Josiah Echano notes that typhoon damage is a significant contributor to poverty in the region, often setting back development efforts.
All vessels, from fishing boats to oil tankers, have been ordered to remain in port or return to shore. The volcanology agency has also warned that heavy rain from Man-yi could trigger volcanic sediment flows from three volcanoes, including Taal, south of Manila. Man-yi is arriving late in the typhoon season, with most cyclones developing between July and October. Earlier this month, four storms were simultaneously clustered in the Pacific basin, a phenomenon not observed in November since records began in 1951, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency.
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