Unprecedented Storm Activity: Four Tropical Storms Battling Over the Philippines

Weather practitioners note that for the first time in history, four tropical storms—Yinxing, Toraji, Usagi, and Man-yi—are simultaneously impacting the Philippines. This unusual phenomenon has led to severe damage and widespread evacuations, prompting government responses.

Four tropical storms are actively developing in the North Pacific Ocean and the South China Sea, creating an unprecedented scenario as this is the first time in history that more than three storms have formed simultaneously in November, according to meteorological experts. The storms include Yinxing, Toraji, Usagi, and Man-yi, all of which have been affecting the Philippines over the past week.

Although typhoons typically form in the region throughout the year, the occurrence of four active storms in November is unprecedented. Gene Huang, a forecaster from Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, highlighted that typically, the peak typhoon season in the Philippines is from July to October, with the nation averaging around 20 tropical storms annually. Records from 1961 indicate that the most storms ever recorded concurrently in the western North Pacific and South China Sea during November was three, last seen in 2009, according to Olivia Shuk-ming Lee, a senior scientific officer at the Hong Kong Observatory.

Meteorologists have noted that even in summer, having four storms at the same time is abnormal. Mr. Huang pointed out that the overall weather conditions this year have diverged significantly from historical patterns. High-pressure zones, which typically fuel the development of tropical storms, are situated further north and are persisting longer than expected during this season. Although scientists have not conclusively linked this phenomenon to global warming, they suggest the warming seas, which reached record highs last year, could be influencing the increase in storm activity this November.

The Philippines is currently facing significant challenges due to storm-related damage, with reports indicating over a hundred fatalities linked to this season's storms. Last week, Typhoon Yinxing struck the Philippines as a Category 4 storm, resulting in the evacuation of more than 160,000 people. On Monday, Typhoon Toraji made landfall, leading to disruptions in power services affecting tens of thousands, as reported by the nation's energy department.

As of Wednesday, Toraji has shifted toward Hong Kong, prompting educational cancellations in kindergartens per the city’s education bureau. Meanwhile, Usagi is projected to impact the northeastern coast of Luzon, while Man-yi is expected to make landfall in eastern Philippines over the weekend, according to local meteorological agencies.

In light of the situation, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Monday assured that the government stands ready to provide assistance to the areas affected by the storms, with search and rescue teams on standby as they await the arrival of the storms.