Typhoon Toraji has made landfall in the Philippines, prompting mandatory evacuations in 2,500 villages due to potential flash floods and landslides. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is overseeing the recovery efforts following back-to-back storms. Schools and transport services are halted, as the military prepares for disaster response, with international aid being coordinated due to the extensive damage already caused.
Typhoon Toraji has made landfall in northeastern Aurora province and is projected to move across the mountainous Luzon region. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. had recently inspected prior storm damages and initiated food distribution in Cagayan and Ilocos provinces. He opted to skip the Asia-Pacific Cooperation forum in Peru to personally oversee the recovery operations from consecutive storms.
The typhoon, which struck on Monday morning with sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 180 kilometers per hour, is anticipated to weaken as it traverses mountain ranges before entering the South China Sea. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla mandated the compulsory evacuation of approximately 2,500 villages at risk from the storm, citing the increased likelihood of flash floods and landslides due to previous rainfall.
Remulla stated, “We understand if some would want to stay, but we have to get them out.” The military has deployed its disaster-response teams to vulnerable areas while suspending combat drills in northern regions due to inclement weather. Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, spokesperson for the Armed Forces of the Philippines, assured, “Our commitment remains steadfast in safeguarding and assisting our countrymen specially in times of disaster.”
In light of the approaching typhoon, schools were closed, and inter-island ferry services along with domestic flights were suspended in areas in or near the storm’s path. This marks the 14th storm to impact the Philippines this year, with forecasters warning of another potential storm developing in the Pacific.
The recent typhoons and tropical storms have resulted in over 160 fatalities, thousands of damaged homes, and affected more than 9 million individuals. The Philippines has received assistance from Southeast Asian nations, led by Singapore, as well as from the United States to deliver essential supplies to the severely impacted northern provinces.
Typhoon Toraji has severely impacted northeastern Aurora and is poised to cause further damage as it moves across Luzon. Officials are enforcing mandatory evacuations in high-risk areas to mitigate the dangers posed by flash floods and landslides. The military and various government agencies are mobilizing disaster response efforts, while international aid is being coordinated to assist affected communities in the wake of this natural disaster.
Original Source: www.mid-day.com
