With maximum wind speeds of 195 km/h, the storm poses serious flooding and landslide threats across the nation.
**Super Typhoon Man-Yi Strikes Philippines as Storm Season Peaks**
**Super Typhoon Man-Yi Strikes Philippines as Storm Season Peaks**
The Philippines endures its sixth typhoon in a month as Super Typhoon Man-Yi approaches, prompting widespread evacuations.
As the Philippines grapples with its sixth typhoon in just a month, Super Typhoon Man-Yi, locally known as Pepito, made landfall at 21:40 local time (13:40 GMT) on Catanduanes island. The storm comes with maximum sustained winds reaching 195 km/h (121 mph), and authorities have issued warnings for life-threatening storm surges and heavy rainfall. The recent influx of typhoons has already caused the deaths of at least 160 people in the preceding storms, highlighting the severity of the ongoing weather crisis.
The adverse weather conditions are expected to affect a vast area, particularly northern regions where over 300mm (11 inches) of rain is projected for the weekend. Flooding and mudslide risks are considerable due to the ground already being saturated from preceding storms. Wind gusts could reach up to 270km/h, with wave heights of approximately 15m (49ft) threatening eastern coastal areas. While Manila may escape the worst of the winds, the storm is predicted to track north and affect the densely populated island of Luzon before heading offshore by Monday.
In anticipation of the storm, more than 400,000 residents evacuated their homes, following guidance from civil defense leaders. Ariel Nepomuceno, head of civil defense, emphasized the heightened danger for those in landslide-prone areas. Residents such as Glenda Llamas and Melchor Bilay expressed fears associated with the imminent storm and past calamities, highlighting the psychological toll of repeated disasters.
Typically, typhoons are frequent in the Philippines, yet experts note that the current surge in tropical storms this November is unusual. The recent Tropical Storm Trami overwhelmed northern regions with rainfall equivalent to an entire month's average, leading to numerous fatalities. The subsequent Typhoon Kong-rey and others have compounded the devastation, contributing to a precarious climate situation.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that while the frequency of tropical cyclones may remain stable, the severity of these storms is expected to escalate due to climate change. Increased rainfall and stronger winds mean more storms could achieve intense categories, exacerbating the risks faced by vulnerable populations like those in the Philippines.
As authorities continue to monitor the unfolding situation, the resilience of communities is tested once again in the face of a relentless natural crisis.
The adverse weather conditions are expected to affect a vast area, particularly northern regions where over 300mm (11 inches) of rain is projected for the weekend. Flooding and mudslide risks are considerable due to the ground already being saturated from preceding storms. Wind gusts could reach up to 270km/h, with wave heights of approximately 15m (49ft) threatening eastern coastal areas. While Manila may escape the worst of the winds, the storm is predicted to track north and affect the densely populated island of Luzon before heading offshore by Monday.
In anticipation of the storm, more than 400,000 residents evacuated their homes, following guidance from civil defense leaders. Ariel Nepomuceno, head of civil defense, emphasized the heightened danger for those in landslide-prone areas. Residents such as Glenda Llamas and Melchor Bilay expressed fears associated with the imminent storm and past calamities, highlighting the psychological toll of repeated disasters.
Typically, typhoons are frequent in the Philippines, yet experts note that the current surge in tropical storms this November is unusual. The recent Tropical Storm Trami overwhelmed northern regions with rainfall equivalent to an entire month's average, leading to numerous fatalities. The subsequent Typhoon Kong-rey and others have compounded the devastation, contributing to a precarious climate situation.
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that while the frequency of tropical cyclones may remain stable, the severity of these storms is expected to escalate due to climate change. Increased rainfall and stronger winds mean more storms could achieve intense categories, exacerbating the risks faced by vulnerable populations like those in the Philippines.
As authorities continue to monitor the unfolding situation, the resilience of communities is tested once again in the face of a relentless natural crisis.
