The Philippines, already battered by previous storms, is facing another typhoon — Typhoon Toraji — making it the fourth in just under a month. Officials have ordered the evacuation of thousands of villages, while ports have been shut down across the region.
Although no immediate casualties or damage were reported, Typhoon Toraji hit the northeast coast near Dilasag town, located about 220 kilometers (140 miles) from Manila. The national weather agency confirmed the typhoon’s arrival but could not yet estimate the number of evacuees.
On Sunday, the government ordered the evacuation of 2,500 villages, but the national disaster office has yet to provide an exact figure on how many people have sought shelter. Typhoon Toraji, with maximum winds of 130 kilometers (80 miles) per hour, came shortly after three other cyclones that killed 159 people.
To ensure safety, schools and government offices were closed in the areas most affected by the typhoon.
Warnings of Severe Winds and Storm Surges
The national weather agency has issued warnings about severe winds and heavy rainfall expected in northern parts of the country. The agency also raised concerns about a “moderate to high risk of a storm surge” which could create giant waves along the coasts of Luzon, the country’s main island.
As of Monday, nearly 700 passengers were stranded at ports due to rough weather conditions, with the coast guard advising against sea travel. “All mariners must stay in port or seek shelter until the weather improves,” the weather service stated.
Another Potential Storm Threatens the Region
Toraji is expected to move across northern Luzon by later Monday, with a tropical depression possibly hitting the area as early as Thursday night. Additionally, Tropical Storm Man-yi, located east of Guam, could also threaten the Philippines next week, according to weather forecaster Veronica Torres.
Recent Storms and Casualties in the Philippines
Just last Thursday, Typhoon Yinxing struck the northern coast, damaging houses and buildings. A 12-year-old girl tragically lost her life during the storm.
Before Yinxing, Severe Tropical Storm Trami and Super Typhoon Kong-rey resulted in 158 fatalities, most of which were caused by Trami. The Philippines, an archipelago, faces about 20 major storms and typhoons each year.
Climate Change and Storm Intensification
A recent study has revealed that typhoons in the Asia-Pacific region are intensifying faster and becoming more dangerous due to climate change. These storms are forming closer to coastlines and lasting longer over land, putting countries like the Philippines at greater risk.
