Philippines is grappling with the aftermath of Typhoon Usagi as another storm, Typhoon Man-yi, looms on the horizon. The nation is once again on high alert as it deals with the havoc wreaked by Usagi, which landed as a formidable Category 4-equivalent super typhoon, leading to significant flooding and widespread damage across various regions.
On November 14, 2024, Usagi made its presence known by hitting the Cagayan province, forcing over 24,000 residents to evacuate their homes. Many villagers found themselves displaced, seeking shelter as torrential rains brought flash floods and landslides. Local officials reported the devastating impact of the storm, noting the destruction of livestock and properties, as well as the collapse of infrastructure including bridges.
Emergency response teams worked around the clock rescuing families trapped on rooftops. Edward Gaspar, local rescue official, shared the urgency of the situation: "We rescued several people who had refused to move to the shelters and got trapped on their rooftops." Fortunately, the proactive evacuation measures likely saved lives, but many families faced immense losses, with initial estimates indicating substantial damage to agriculture and housing.
By early Friday, the remnants of Usagi had shifted toward Taiwan, where it was downgraded to a tropical storm. Nevertheless, the United Nations has warned of the continued threat from Typhoon Man-yi, which is expected to strike the central Philippines soon. Accustomed to heavy seasonal storms, the area has recently been deluged with five significant typhoons within just three weeks, raising concerns about the increasing frequency and intensity of such weather events.
Much of the recent destruction has been attributed to La Niña, a climatic phenomenon leading to warmer water influxes, resulting in heavy rains and flooding, particularly affecting the Philippines and causing droughts elsewhere, such as the southern United States.
Authorities have forecasted Severe Tropical Storm Man-yi to reach coastal areas by Sunday, potentially directly impacting Manila, the country's capital. Local residents are urged to prepare and heed evacuation orders as the storm develops. The Philippines experiences about 20 typhoons annually, but the rapid succession of storms this season has left many struggling, with thousands still reliant on temporary shelters.
The UN has reported damages to over 207,000 homes, affecting approximately 700,000 people, with plenty lacking basic necessities such as clean drinking water and hygiene supplies. With large swaths of agricultural land devastated, food supply chains may take considerable time to stabilize again.
Typhoon Usagi has reportedly resulted in at least 159 deaths, with the number expected to rise as assessment teams continue to reach affected regions. Governors and local officials have begun coordinating relief efforts, emphasizing the need for substantial international aid to cope with the aftermath and prepare for the incoming Typhoon Man-yi. A UN aid request for approximately $32.9 million aims to support the hardest-hit communities and bolster disaster response capabilities.
Looking back at the last month, residents witnessed the storms swiftly alter landscapes and communities. Many families who lost loved ones and property have begun picking up the pieces, yet they face the grim reality of facing another imminent storm. Robredo Espiritu, operations chief of the civil defense office, stated: "Most evacuees have returned home, but we held back some of them. We have to check first if their houses are still safe for habitation." This statement reflects the level of uncertainty and anxiety permeated among the recovering communities.
Overall, as the Philippines braces for yet another bout of extreme weather, the combination of immediate disaster response and long-term recovery efforts will be pivotal for the residents trying to rebuild their lives amid the growing threat of climate change and its associated challenges. With more research needed to understand the catastrophic nature of these storms, both local and global cooperation will be fundamental to mitigate future disasters and protect vulnerable communities.
