After a series of storms, Typhoon Toraji sweeps through the Philippines

Typhoon Toraji made landfall in northeastern Philippines on Monday morning, with strong winds hitting the city of Dilasag, about 220 kilometers northeast of Manila, according to the national meteorological agency. The storm caused power outages and knocked over several trees, prompting authorities to evacuate residents from coastal areas at risk of flooding and landslides.

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According to AFP, disaster management official Miroina Pablio in Dinalungan reported that severe weather conditions currently prevent emergency teams from assessing damage, as the area is battered by strong winds and heavy rains. At least 1,400 people have been moved to safe areas in Dinalungan and Baler, around 80 kilometers to the south.

As the typhoon intensified, schools, ports, and administrative buildings in high-risk areas were closed, and authorities ordered the evacuation of about 2,500 villages. However, the national disaster management agency has not yet provided a final count of people relocated to safe places.

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According to weather warnings, strong winds and heavy rains are expected to affect large areas in the north of the country, accompanied by massive waves along the coast of Luzon Island, putting fishermen’s lives at risk. Authorities have urged sailors to stay in ports or take shelter in safe locations.

In preparation for any emergency, the armed forces and police have readied at least 14 aircraft to transport food and conduct rescue operations in areas that may be isolated by the storm. These measures come as the country struggles to recover from the effects of three recent typhoons, further complicating the humanitarian situation.

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The Philippines experiences about 20 storms and typhoons each year. Recent studies indicate that climate change is intensifying storms near coastlines, forming more quickly and lasting longer over land, which increases the threat to coastal communities in the Asia-Pacific region.

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