Typhoon Toraji struck northeastern Aurora province in the Philippines, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prioritizing recovery efforts after recent storms. The typhoon presented risks of flash floods and landslides, leading to mass evacuations. International support has been mobilized to assist those affected, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by the country during the storm season.
Typhoon Toraji made landfall in northeastern Aurora province, expected to move over the mountainous region of Luzon. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had just inspected prior storm damage and distributed relief aid to affected regions. He opted to forego the Asia-Pacific Cooperation forum in Peru in order to manage recovery efforts following consecutive storms.
The typhoon arrived with sustained winds reaching 130 kilometers per hour (81 mph) and gusts of up to 180 kph (112 mph), projected to travel northwest across Luzon before losing strength over mountainous terrain and eventually entering the South China Sea. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla ordered the mandatory evacuation of residents in 2,500 villages likely to be hit by Toraji, also locally referred to as Nika. He warned of increased risks for flash floods and landslides.
Remulla stated, “We understand if some would want to stay, but we have to get them out.” The military announced the deployment of disaster-response teams to high-risk areas, suspending combat exercises in anticipation of the storm. Schools were closed, and both inter-island ferries and domestic flights were halted in areas affected by the typhoon, marking the 14th storm to strike the Philippines this year.
The previous storms and a tropical disturbance resulted in over 160 fatalities, damaging numerous homes and farmlands and displacing more than 9 million individuals, including many who sought shelter in emergency facilities. In light of this calamity, international aid from Southeast Asian nations, spearheaded by Singapore, as well as support from the United States, has been mobilized to deliver essential supplies to the severely impacted northern provinces.
The Philippines is susceptible to typhoons due to its geographical location within the Pacific typhoon belt. Each year, the archipelago experiences numerous storms that often lead to widespread destruction, loss of life, and significant disruption to daily life. The government employs a robust disaster preparedness system to mitigate risks, including preemptive evacuations, deployment of rescue teams, and coordination with international aid agencies. Typhoon Toraji, impacting the region where recovery efforts from prior storms were still ongoing, exemplifies the challenges faced by the nation during storm season.
In conclusion, Typhoon Toraji poses a significant threat to the northeastern provinces of Luzon, compelling government and military agencies to take swift action to protect residents. The ongoing challenges from previous storms highlight the need for effective disaster response and international cooperation in humanitarian efforts. The impact of Typhoon Toraji on the already vulnerable population necessitates ongoing support and assistance to facilitate recovery and ensure safety.
Original Source: www.mid-day.com
