In a harrowing turn of events, the Philippines has faced its sixth consecutive typhoon this month as Super Typhoon Man-Yi, or Pepito, made landfall at 21:40 local time (13:40 GMT) on the eastern Catanduanes island. The state meteorological office reported that the super typhoon carries maximum sustained winds of 195 km/h (121 mph), prompting officials to issue severe weather warnings for life-threatening storm surges and torrential rain. Already, the destruction from previous storms has claimed at least 160 lives.
Civil defense authorities have evacuated over 400,000 residents from projected danger zones as they prepare for the storm's wrath. Ariel Nepomuceno, director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, emphasized the heightened risks in landslide-prone areas, given the saturation of the ground from past typhoons. "It is vital for everyone in the storm's path to heed evacuation orders," he urged.
Among those evacuating was Glenda Llamas, who expressed fears of rising waters and potential intensification of the storm. "If we didn't evacuate, we wouldn't be able to get out later. We are scared," she recounted from a shelter in Albay province. Melchor Bilay, another evacuee, echoed these sentiments, recalling the traumas from earlier storms.
As Man-Yi approaches, weather forecasts predict heavy rainfall in northern regions, potentially exceeding 300mm (11 inches) over the weekend, raising serious concerns of flooding and mudslides. Winds are predicted to reach up to 270 km/h, with coastal areas facing waves as high as 15 meters (49 feet). While Manila may avoid the brunt of the storm, it is expected to cross Luzon, the most populous island, before making its way offshore by Monday.
Disruption is widespread, with numerous flights cancelled as the nation braces for what could be one of the most severe weather events this year. The October storm season has already been marked by Tropical Storm Trami, which resulted in extensive rainfall and fatalities, subsequently followed by Typhoon Kong-rey, which was noted for being one of the strongest storms to hit Taiwan in decades.
Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating such weather patterns, making storms potentially more dangerous and intense. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that while the number of tropical cyclones may not increase globally, the intensity and precipitation rates are likely to rise, leading to more severe weather phenomena.
As the Philippines confronts yet another super typhoon, the importance of preparedness and adherence to safety measures has never been clearer.
Civil defense authorities have evacuated over 400,000 residents from projected danger zones as they prepare for the storm's wrath. Ariel Nepomuceno, director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, emphasized the heightened risks in landslide-prone areas, given the saturation of the ground from past typhoons. "It is vital for everyone in the storm's path to heed evacuation orders," he urged.
Among those evacuating was Glenda Llamas, who expressed fears of rising waters and potential intensification of the storm. "If we didn't evacuate, we wouldn't be able to get out later. We are scared," she recounted from a shelter in Albay province. Melchor Bilay, another evacuee, echoed these sentiments, recalling the traumas from earlier storms.
As Man-Yi approaches, weather forecasts predict heavy rainfall in northern regions, potentially exceeding 300mm (11 inches) over the weekend, raising serious concerns of flooding and mudslides. Winds are predicted to reach up to 270 km/h, with coastal areas facing waves as high as 15 meters (49 feet). While Manila may avoid the brunt of the storm, it is expected to cross Luzon, the most populous island, before making its way offshore by Monday.
Disruption is widespread, with numerous flights cancelled as the nation braces for what could be one of the most severe weather events this year. The October storm season has already been marked by Tropical Storm Trami, which resulted in extensive rainfall and fatalities, subsequently followed by Typhoon Kong-rey, which was noted for being one of the strongest storms to hit Taiwan in decades.
Experts warn that climate change is exacerbating such weather patterns, making storms potentially more dangerous and intense. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) indicates that while the number of tropical cyclones may not increase globally, the intensity and precipitation rates are likely to rise, leading to more severe weather phenomena.
As the Philippines confronts yet another super typhoon, the importance of preparedness and adherence to safety measures has never been clearer.
