Typhoon Toraji Impacts Northeastern Philippines Amidst Recovery Efforts
Typhoon Toraji hit northeastern Aurora province with strong winds, prompting evacuation orders for 2,500 villages in Luzon. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. postponed a forum in Peru to oversee recovery from previous storms. The typhoon is expected to weaken as it travels across mountainous regions and enter the South China Sea.
Typhoon Toraji has impacted northeastern Aurora province and is expected to move across Luzon, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s prior visit to assess damage from recent storms. The President postponed his attendance at the Asia-Pacific Cooperation forum in Peru to manage recovery efforts stemming from consecutive storms in Cagayan and Ilocos.
Upon making landfall on Monday morning, Toraji exhibited sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 180 kilometers per hour. It is anticipated that the typhoon will shift northwestward, weakening over mountainous terrain before entering the South China Sea.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla initiated mandatory evacuations for residents in 2,500 villages potentially affected by Toraji, also known as Nika. He cautioned that the rain-soaked terrain of Luzon is vulnerable to flash floods and landslides. With the typhoon’s rapid approach, there was limited time for relocations.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines deployed disaster-response teams to high-risk areas, suspending combat drills in light of the adverse weather. Col. Francel Margareth Padilla, spokesperson for the military, emphasized their unwavering commitment to protecting citizens during disasters.
In preparation for Toraji, schools have been closed, and ferry services and domestic flights have been suspended across affected provinces. This marks the 14th weather event to strike the Philippines this year, with forecasters closely monitoring another potential storm in the Pacific.
The recent typhoons and a tropical storm have led to over 160 fatalities, extensive property damage, and disruption to more than 9 million people, including substantial numbers escaping to emergency shelters. Aid from Southeast Asian nations, particularly Singapore, and the United States has been provided to deliver essential supplies to those in need within the hard-hit northern provinces.
Typhoon Toraji’s impact highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the Philippines due to severe weather conditions. The government has mobilized evacuation efforts to protect vulnerable communities against flash floods and landslides. Recent storms have inflicted significant suffering on millions, thus international support has become vital for recovery and relief efforts in affected regions.
Original Source: www.mid-day.com
