Philippine authorities have ordered vessels back to shore and urged coastal residents to evacuate as Super Typhoon Man-yi nears the country. The storm, now intensified into a super typhoon, is expected to cause severe damage with strong winds, heavy rains, and dangerous storm surges.
The state weather forecaster has warned of “significant to severe impacts” as Man-yi approaches, with its full force likely hitting late Saturday or early Sunday.
Man-yi, packing wind gusts of up to 215 km/h (133 mph), is set to slam into Catanduanes island. This sparsely populated province could face waves as high as 14 meters (46 feet), making it one of the worst-hit areas.
Interior Undersecretary Marlo Iringan stressed the importance of early evacuation. “Don’t wait for danger to come. Evacuate now to avoid risking lives and putting rescuers in harm’s way,” he urged.
Thousands Evacuate to Safety
Authorities have evacuated around 255,000 people from flood- and landslide-prone areas. Many are sheltering in schools and gymnasiums as evacuation centers fill up. In Legazpi City, Albay province, grocer Myrna Perea and her family left their fragile home to stay in a crowded classroom with nine other families.
“We know our house will be wrecked because it’s made of light materials, but what matters is staying safe,” Perea said.
Evacuation efforts in Catanduanes island are in full swing. Disaster officer Roberto Monterola shared that over 400 people have been moved to the provincial government building in Virac, while others are being sent to safer locations. “Some evacuation centers, like the Rawis gym, have a history of typhoon damage, making people hesitant to go there,” he added.
A Month of Relentless Storms
Man-yi is the sixth major storm to strike the Philippines in the past month. These typhoons have already claimed 163 lives, left thousands homeless, and wiped out crops and livestock, further deepening poverty in affected regions.
Northern Samar disaster officer Rei Josiah Echano described the recurring devastation: “Every storm brings us back to square one. It’s a cycle of poverty and destruction.”
The Role of Climate Change
Experts warn that climate change is making storms more intense, with stronger winds, heavier rains, and devastating storm surges. The Philippines, already prone to about 20 typhoons annually, is seeing more powerful storms late in the year, as seen with Typhoon Man-yi.
Earlier this month, four storms were recorded simultaneously in the Pacific, an event the Japan Meteorological Agency noted hasn’t happened in November since 1951.
Widespread Flooding and Lahars
The state weather forecaster predicts “widespread severe flooding and landslides” across regions in the storm’s path. Coastal areas near Virac face the risk of storm surges, while heavy rains could trigger lahars—flows of volcanic sediment—from volcanoes like Taal, south of Manila.
To ensure safety, authorities have sent soldiers to evacuate about 100 households in two coastal villages near Virac. “Regardless of where Man-yi makes landfall, its heavy rainfall and strong winds will affect areas far from the predicted zone,” the forecaster emphasized.
Evacuation Efforts in Overdrive
Evacuation centers in typhoon-prone Bicol region are filling up quickly. In some areas, families have crowded into buildings with minimal facilities, such as single ceiling fans to combat the heat. The urgency to evacuate is high, as authorities fear widespread damage from Man-yi’s wrath.
“We must prioritize safety over comfort. Lives matter more than property,” Monterola reminded.
Super Typhoon Man-yi continues to gain strength as it nears the Philippines. Forecasters expect it to deliver heavy damage to Catanduanes and nearby provinces before moving further inland. Officials have placed the country on high alert, urging the public to follow evacuation orders and prepare for severe weather conditions.
Navigating the Late Typhoon Season
Man-yi is striking late in the Philippines’ typhoon season, which typically peaks between July and October. This unusual timing adds to the challenges faced by communities already battered by recent storms.
Authorities hope that swift evacuation and proactive measures will minimize casualties and damage. As Man-yi barrels toward the archipelago, the focus remains on saving lives and helping communities weather yet another natural disaster.
