Typhoon Toraji hit northeastern Aurora province in the Philippines, leading to evacuation orders from Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has cancelled his attendance at the Asia-Pacific Cooperation forum to oversee recovery efforts. The military is on standby, having deployed forces to high-risk areas. Previous storms have resulted in over 160 deaths and widespread damage, prompting international assistance.
Typhoon Toraji has made landfall in northeastern Aurora province, impacting recovery efforts initiated by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. following previous storms. The President had led food distribution efforts in Cagayan and Ilocos provinces and cancelled participation in the Asia-Pacific Cooperation forum in Peru to manage the ongoing crisis.
The typhoon, with maximum winds reaching 130 kilometers (81 miles) per hour and gusts up to 180 kph (112 mph), is projected to travel northwest across Luzon. It is anticipated to weaken after crossing the mountainous regions before entering the South China Sea.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla has mandated the evacuation of individuals from 2,500 villages at risk. He cautioned that the rain-drenched landscape makes the area vulnerable to flash floods and landslides. “We understand if some would want to stay, but we have to get them out,” Remulla emphasized during a press briefing.
The military deployed disaster-response teams to high-risk zones and postponed combat drills in light of the severe weather. Armed Forces spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla reiterated their dedication, stating, “Our commitment remains steadfast in safeguarding and assisting our countrymen specially in times of disaster.”
As the typhoon approaches, schools have been closed, and inter-island ferry services and domestic flights in affected provinces have been halted. This marks the 14th weather disturbance this year for the Philippines, with forecasters also observing another potential storm in the Pacific region.
Previous typhoons and storms have led to significant destruction, with over 160 fatalities and damage to thousands of homes and agricultural lands. More than 9 million individuals have been impacted, many of whom sought refuge in emergency shelters. Support has come from regional governments and the United States to aid the affected northern provinces.
In conclusion, Typhoon Toraji poses a serious threat to the northeastern region of the Philippines, prompting prompt evacuation orders and disaster response preparations. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is directly involved in the recovery efforts, while military forces stand ready to assist in safety efforts. The previous storms had devastating effects, and the nation is currently receiving support from international allies to mitigate the impact of this latest threat.
Original Source: www.mid-day.com
