Typhoon Toraji has made landfall in the Philippines, prompting evacuation orders across 2,500 villages due to the risk of flooding and landslides. Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla warns of hazards in the mountainous regions, while the military assures disaster response readiness. Educational institutions and transportation services are suspended as the country prepares for impacts from the storm, adding to the toll from previous weather disturbances.
Typhoon Toraji struck northeastern Aurora province in the Philippines with sustained winds reaching 130 kilometers per hour (81 miles per hour) and gusts up to 180 kph (112 mph). The typhoon is projected to traverse the mountainous Luzon region before moving into the South China Sea, following a recent storm that prompted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to oversee recovery efforts in affected areas, including food distribution in Cagayan and Ilocos provinces.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla issued an order for the forced evacuation of residents in 2,500 villages susceptible to the powerful storm, locally known as Nika. He cautioned that the rain-soaked mountainous terrain poses a heightened risk for flash floods and landslides, urging urgent measures to ensure public safety.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines have mobilized disaster-response forces to monitor high-risk regions, while suspending combat drills in the north due to the adverse weather conditions. Spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla reiterated their commitment to aiding citizens during disasters.
In anticipation of the typhoon, educational institutions were closed, and ferry services alongside domestic flights were suspended across provinces in the storm’s predicted path. This marks the 14th significant weather disturbance impacting the Philippines this year, with forecasters also monitoring another potential storm in the Pacific that could pose further risks.
The prior two typhoons and a tropical storm have resulted in over 160 fatalities and substantial damage to infrastructure, with more than 9 million individuals affected, including numerous people who have sought refuge in emergency shelters. In response to these emergencies, international assistance has been provided by Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, alongside support from the United States for the transportation of essential supplies to severely impacted regions.
Typhoon Toraji poses significant threats to the Philippines as it traverses the Luzon region, necessitating immediate evacuation and disaster response efforts. With the government prioritizing safety, the armed forces have been mobilized, and travel restrictions have been put in place. The nation continues to recover from previous storms, highlighting the urgent need for international assistance amidst severe weather conditions.
Original Source: www.mid-day.com
