Philippines experiences sixth typhoon landfall in one month

The Philippines has experienced a powerful super typhoon landfall, marking the sixth major storm to batter the country in just one month, sparking fears of catastrophic damage.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the state forecaster reported that Typhoon Man-Yi, locally referred to as Pepito, made landfall at 21:40 local time (13:40 GMT) along the eastern coast of Catanduanes island, bringing powerful winds of up to 195 km/h (121mph).

Earlier before the landfall, authorities have issued warnings of a potentially deadly storm surge, intense rainfall, and destructive winds, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of people before the storm’s landfall.

According to reports, the Philippines has already suffered the loss of at least 160 lives in the five preceding storms, and Super Typhoon Man-Yi is forecasted to affect a vast region, BBC Weather warns.

The report stated “Northern areas will face heavy rain, with over 300mm (11 inches) forecasted for Saturday and Sunday, potentially causing flooding and mudslides. Winds may reach 270km/h.”

“Although the storm threatens the Philippines, Manila is likely to avoid the worst winds as the typhoon tracks northward, traversing Luzon Island and exiting the area by Monday.”

As the storm approaches, dozens of flights have been grounded, disrupting travel plans for many passengers.

Reports stated that as the storm closes in, more than 500,000 have fled, and the head of civil defence, Mr. Ariel Nepomuceno has warned residents in the storm’s path to heed evacuation orders.

According to Mr. Nepomuceno, the repeated typhoons have left the ground saturated, increasing the landslide risk for vulnerable areas.

Melchor Bilay, who was according to report relocated to a school in Sorsogon province, expressed concerns about the psychological impact of past calamities, saying, “previous disasters like floods, strong winds, and others have already led to numerous phobias.”

Although typhoons are common in the Philippines, forecasters note an unusual surge in simultaneous Pacific tropical storms during November, deviating from expected seasonal norms.

In late October, Tropical Storm Trami brought catastrophic rains to northern Philippines, exceeding a month’s average in just days, leaving dozens of people dead.

In quick succession, Typhoon Kong-rey followed Tropical Storm Trami, claiming at least three more lives.

In nearly 30 years, no typhoon had directly struck Taiwan with such force, making this storm historically significant.

Typhoon Yinxing’s passage over northern Luzon earlier this month resulted in significant rainfall, with totals reaching 250mm (10in) in certain regions.

According to report, the Philippines has endured a relentless typhoon season, with Toraji followed by Usagi, which unleashed a devastating 3-metre storm surge and torrential rains exceeding 200mm (8in).

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warns that, despite no projected rise in global tropical cyclone numbers, climate change will likely boost rainfall intensity and maximum wind speeds.

Know about Typhoon in Philippines

Frequency and Seasonality of Typhoon

The Philippines is located in the Pacific Typhoon Belt and experiences an average of 20 typhoons annually. Typhoon season typically runs from June to November, with the peak months being July to October.

Impacts and Risks of Typhoon in Philippines

Typhoons bring strong winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, landslides, and flash flooding. Its risks include loss of life, injury, displacement, damage to infrastructure, agriculture, and economy.

Notable Typhoons in Philippines

Super Typhoon Haiyan in 2013 is one of the strongest typhoons to hit the Philippines, causing widespread destruction and over 6,000 deaths.Typhoon Yolanda in 2013 was similar to Haiyan, causing massive damage and loss of life.

Typhoon Ondoy in 2009 caused severe flooding in Metro Manila, affecting millions.Typhoon Rolly  in 2020 brought strong winds and widespread damage.

Typhoon Categories

Categories of Typhoon include Tropical Depression with Winds ≤ 63 km/h (39 mph), tropical Storm with winds 64-118 km/h (40-73 mph), Typhoon with winds 119-220 km/h (74-137 mph), and Super Typhoon with winds ≥ 221 km/h (138 mph)

Warning Systems

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) issues typhoon warnings and advisories.

Storm signals

Signal #1: Winds 30-60 km/h (19-37 mph)

Signal #2: Winds 61-120 km/h (38-75 mph)

Signal #3: Winds 121-170 km/h (76-106 mph)

Signal #4: Winds 171-220 km/h (107-137 mph)

Signal #5: Winds ≥ 221 km/h (138 mph)

Preparation and Response

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) coordinates disaster response and evacuation centers, emergency food and supplies, and search and rescue operations are activated.

International Support

United Nations, international NGOs, and countries provide humanitarian aid and assistance.

Climate Change Implications

Rising sea levels, increased storm intensity, and changing weather patterns exacerbate typhoon impacts.

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