Typhoon Man-yi Brings Destruction to Philippines
Typhoon Season in Full Swing
Manila: Typhoon Man-yi lashed the Philippines’ most populous island on Sunday, with the national weather service warning of flooding, landslides, and huge waves as the storm sweeps across the archipelago nation.
Super Typhoon Man-yi Makes Landfall
Man-yi was still a super typhoon when it made its second landfall on Luzon, with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometres (115 miles) per hour, but was downgraded to a typhoon category as it traversed the mountainous island.
Mass Evacuations Take Place
More than 1.2 million people fled their homes ahead of Man-yi, including several thousand in the capital Manila, as the weather forecaster warned of a "life-threatening" impact from the powerful storm, which follows an unusual streak of violent weather.
Destruction and Damage Reported
Man-yi uprooted trees, brought down power lines, and smashed flimsy houses to pieces after making its first landfall late Saturday on lightly populated Catanduanes island in the typhoon-prone Bicol region. No deaths have been reported, but there was "extensive" damage to structures on Catanduanes, civil defence chief Ariel Nepomuceno said.
Residents Describe the Fury of the Storm
"I saw roofing sheets flying off the houses around our building. Branches were being torn off trees," said Julius Fabianes, a rescuer with the Aurora disaster agency in Baler town.
Weakening Forecast
The weather service forecast significant weakening as Man-yi crossed Luzon and moved offshore later Sunday or early Monday.
Flooding and Landslides Expected
Flooding and landslides were expected as Man-yi dumped heavy rain over provinces in its path.
Storm Surges Expected
Forecasters also warned storm surges reaching more than three metres could swamp vulnerable coastal communities, including in Manila.
Typhoon Season in Full Swing
Panganiban municipality in the northeast of Catanduanes took a direct hit from Man-yi. Photos and a drone video shared on the Facebook page of Mayor Cesar Robles showed fallen power lines, damaged and destroyed buildings, and trees and corrugated iron sheets strewn on the roads.
Climate Change Linked to Storm Intensity
Climate change is increasing the intensity of storms, leading to heavier rains, flash floods, and stronger gusts. Mother-of-three Marissa Cueva Alejandro, 36, who grew up in Catanduanes and sheltered with a relative during Man-yi, said typhoons are getting stronger.
Typhoon Man-yi: The Sixth Storm in a Month
Man-yi is the sixth storm in the past month to batter the archipelago nation. At least 163 people died in the previous storms, which left thousands homeless and wiped out crops and livestock.
Typhoon Season in Review
About 20 big storms and typhoons hit the Southeast Asian nation or its surrounding waters each year, killing scores of people, but it is rare for multiple such weather events to take place in a small window.
Conclusion
Typhoon Man-yi has brought widespread destruction to the Philippines, with millions affected and entire communities displaced. As the storm continues to move off the coast, residents are left to pick up the pieces and rebuild. With climate change increasing the intensity of storms, it’s essential that governments and residents take steps to mitigate the impact of these disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the impact of Typhoon Man-yi?
A: The storm brought widespread destruction, with millions affected and entire communities displaced.
Q: How many storms have hit the Philippines in the past month?
A: Six storms have battered the archipelago nation in the past month, with at least 163 people killed and thousands displaced.
Q: What is the cause of the increase in storm intensity?
A: Climate change is leading to heavier rains, flash floods, and stronger gusts, making storms more intense and destructive.