Typhoon Toraji struck northeastern Aurora province, with projected impacts on mountainous Luzon. President Marcos Jr. oversaw recovery efforts and evacuations. The storm has caused over 160 fatalities and significant damage, with assistance from Southeast Asian nations and the U.S.
Typhoon Toraji hit northeastern Aurora province and is projected to move over Luzon, where President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. inspected storm damage and organized food pack distributions in Cagayan and Ilocos. Marcos skipped the Asia-Pacific Cooperation forum in Peru to manage recovery operations following consecutive storms.
The typhoon made landfall in Aurora early Monday with winds reaching 130 km/h (81 mph) and gusts up to 180 km/h (112 mph). It is expected to weaken as it travels northwest across mountain ranges before entering the South China Sea.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla mandated evacuations in 2,500 villages preparing for Toraji, also called Nika. He emphasized the risk of flash floods and landslides in the rain-saturated mountainous regions, urging quick evacuations to ensure safety.
Military disaster-response teams have been deployed to high-risk areas, with combat drills suspended due to the severe weather. The Armed Forces of the Philippines reaffirmed their dedication to assisting citizens during disasters.
In anticipation of the typhoon, schools closed and inter-island ferry services along with domestic flights were halted in affected provinces. This marks the 14th tropical disturbance to impact the Philippines this year, with meteorologists watching another potential storm brewing in the Pacific.
Recent storms have already claimed over 160 lives, caused extensive damage to homes and farmland, and affected more than 9 million people, some fleeing to emergency shelters after experiencing unprecedented rainfall. The Philippines received aid from Southeast Asian nations, led by Singapore, and support from the U.S. to deliver essential supplies to the most affected northern regions.
Typhoon Toraji poses significant threats to the Philippines, prompting government officials to implement evacuations and safety measures. The quick response from the military and neighboring countries highlights the collaborative efforts to aid recovery from numerous severe weather events this year. Continued monitoring for additional storms underscores the ongoing risk in the region and the need for preparedness against future disasters.
Original Source: www.mid-day.com
