Typhoon Toraji Brings Fresh Weather Warnings to the Philippines
The Philippines has issued fresh weather warnings as the fifth major storm in three weeks, Tropical Storm Usagi, bears down on the archipelago. This comes just days after thousands were evacuated ahead of Typhoon Toraji, which has now blown out to sea after causing relatively limited damage and no reported deaths.
Evacuations and Damage Assessment
The government evacuated more than 32,000 people from vulnerable areas in the northern Philippines ahead of Toraji’s Monday landfall. This was weeks after Severe Tropical Storm Trami, Typhoon Yinxing, and Super Typhoon Kong-rey killed a combined 159 people. Most of that tally came during Trami, which unleashed torrential rains that triggered deadly flash floods and landslides. The government did not report any substantial flooding during Toraji’s passage.
Tropical Storm Usagi
Usagi’s 75 km/h an hour winds may start churning big waves along the northeast coast late Tuesday ahead of an expected Thursday landfall, when it is forecast to have strengthened into a typhoon. The weather service has advised mariners of small seacraft not to venture out to sea under these conditions.
Recovery Efforts
While the government reported no casualties from Toraji, around 15,000 people are still sheltering at mainly government-run evacuation centres. Utility workers have been repairing damaged bridges, restoring electricity, and clearing roads blocked by landslides, fallen trees, and power pylons. The full extent of the damage to private homes is not yet known, but 29 towns and cities are still without power. Young people in nearly 600 towns and cities have begun returning to class, and ports have reopened.
Future Storm Threats
After Usagi, the weather service has warned that Tropical Storm Man-yi, currently near the Northern Mariana Islands, may also threaten the Philippines next week. The Philippines is hit by about 20 big storms and typhoons each year, killing scores of people and keeping millions in enduring poverty.
Climate Change Impact
A recent study has shown that storms in the Asia-Pacific region are increasingly forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly, and lasting longer over land due to climate change.
Conclusion
The Philippines has faced a series of devastating storms in recent weeks, and the threat of Tropical Storm Usagi is a reminder of the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of climate-related disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many people were evacuated ahead of Typhoon Toraji?
A: More than 32,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas in the northern Philippines.
Q: How many people were killed in the recent storms?
A: A combined 159 people were killed in the recent storms, with most of that tally coming during Severe Tropical Storm Trami.
Q: What is the forecast for Tropical Storm Usagi?
A: Usagi is expected to strengthen into a typhoon and make landfall on Thursday, bringing big waves and strong winds to the northeast coast.
Q: How many towns and cities are still without power?
A: 29 towns and cities are still without power, with the full extent of the damage to private homes not yet known.