Typhoon Toraji made landfall in Aurora, Philippines, causing President Marcos to lead response efforts after recent storms devastated the area. Mandatory evacuations were ordered in 2,500 villages due to flood risks, while military and disaster response units were activated. The typhoon’s impact follows a significant loss of lives and property from preceding storms, highlighting the need for ongoing international aid in recovery efforts.
Typhoon Toraji struck the northeastern Aurora province of the Philippines, moving aggressively toward the mountainous regions of Luzon. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had recently assessed the damage caused by previous storms and was actively coordinating disaster response efforts, including food distribution in Cagayan and Ilocos provinces. The president opted out of the Asia-Pacific Cooperation forum in Peru to prioritize recovery initiatives following successive storm impacts.
With sustained winds reaching up to 130 kilometers (81 miles) per hour and gusts of 180 kilometers per hour (112 miles per hour), Typhoon Toraji, locally referred to as Nika, made landfall on Monday morning. It was predicted to travel northwestward across Luzon, potentially weakening as it traversed the mountainous terrain before making its way into the South China Sea.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla ordered the mandatory evacuation of approximately 2,500 villages projected to be under threat from the typhoon, emphasizing the heightened risk of flash floods and landslides in the rain-drenched regions of Luzon. He stated, “We understand if some would want to stay, but we have to get them out.”
Military disaster-response units have been deployed in high-risk areas, and combat drills in the northern regions have been suspended to allocate resources effectively. Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla reaffirmed, “Our commitment remains steadfast in safeguarding and assisting our countrymen especially in times of disaster.”
In anticipation of severe weather, schools, inter-island ferry services, and domestic flights were suspended across provinces likely to be affected, marking this as the 14th weather disturbance to hit the archipelago this year. Furthermore, meteorologists are monitoring an additional storm brewing in the Pacific that could pose further threats.
The prior two typhoons and a tropical storm have already claimed over 160 lives and caused significant infrastructural damage, affecting upwards of 9 million individuals, including those who sought refuge in emergency shelters after torrential downpours delivered up to two months’ worth of rainfall within 24 hours. The Philippines has received international assistance from other Southeast Asian nations, particularly Singapore, as well as support from the United States, to deliver essential supplies such as food and water to the severely impacted northern provinces.
The Philippines is highly susceptible to tropical storms and typhoons due to its geographical location in the Pacific typhoon belt. This vulnerability is exacerbated by climate change, which is contributing to the intensity and frequency of weather disturbances. In recent years, the nation has faced numerous disasters affecting millions of its citizens, resulting in widespread damage to homes, agricultural lands, and infrastructure. The government’s disaster response mechanisms have been under strain due to the increasing number of storms, necessitating both local and international support for recovery efforts.
The impact of Typhoon Toraji illustrates the ongoing challenges faced by the Philippines in disaster preparedness and response. As climate change continues to raise the stakes, the government must enhance its strategies to protect its citizens from severe weather events. The support from international partners remains crucial in addressing the immediate needs of those affected while laying foundations for long-term recovery and resilience against future storms.
Original Source: www.mid-day.com
