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Climate & Environment
16 November 2024

Philippines Faces Unprecedented Storm Surge This November

NASA notes historic occurrence as four simultaneous storms disrupt the Philippines amid climate concerns

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has declared the simultaneous formation of four tropical storms impacting the Philippines this November as "unusual." This is the first time since records began in 1951, as NASA highlighted in one of their recent social media posts. Four storms—Marce, Nika, Ofel (Usagi), and Pepito (Man-Yi)—created conditions not commonly seen during this time of year, as most storms typically develop between May and October. By November, the average is usually one super typhoon and two named storms.

The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed these cyclones' significant development based on their Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera (EPIC) imager on November 11. The first of these storms, Marce, entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on November 4 and left just days later on November 8. Following Marce, Nika entered the region on November 9 and exited on November 12.

Super Typhoon Ofel made landfall as the third storm and showed rapid intensification, with winds reaching upwards of 185 kilometers per hour as it crossed northern Luzon. With its arrival, thousands of residents were forced to evacuate their homes before the storm struck. Remarkably, the Philippines faced not just Ofel, but also Pepito, which became the sixth cyclone to hit the country within three weeks, continuing the series of back-to-back typhoons.

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. remarked on the necessity to overhaul the country’s flood control master plan as climate change continues to impact increasingly severe weather patterns. "The storms are different now, and our flood control measures can no longer cope with the rainfall's increased volume," he stated, stressing the gravity of the situation. His government has also called for the utilization of geohazard maps to identify areas vulnerable to landslides and floods to help communities prepare for potential disasters.

The recent storms have left devastating consequences, with nearly 158 confirmed deaths from previous storms, primarily stemming from Kristine and Leon. The UN Philippines Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, Gustavo Gonzalez, has noted the exhausting nature of these conditions on affected communities, as they struggle to recover from one storm only to face another shortly thereafter. The request for $32.9 million in aid from the UN emphasizes the severity of their situation, which could lead to substantial long-term effects for the region.

Reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) indicated over 9 million people affected by the five storms as of November 14, with 617,000 displaced, some sleeping out in the open. This data indicates the significant toll these storms have had on both communities and infrastructure, particularly highlighting those regions still endeavoring to recover from previous floods, such as the Bicol region, which was recently impacted by Severe Tropical Storm Trami.

Symptomatically, authorities are now preparing for Tropical Storm Man-yi, expected to make landfall as another potential Super Typhoon. With communities already reeling from the effects of multiple storms, this new threat adds to mounting concerns among local populations and emergency services. Evacuations are already underway to mitigate risk before Man-yi's landfall on November 16 or 17.

Environmental experts attribute this unprecedented occurrence of simultaneous storms to warmer ocean temperatures, leading to more intense cyclonic activity. These conditions are giving rise to sentiments of 'typhoon fatigue' among residents and emergency responders alike, highlighting the psychological strain this relentless sequence of natural disasters inflicts on the affected populations.

To assist recovery efforts, the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Manila has called for international support, noting the significant losses already sustained. Norway’s commitment has been reflected through $3.5 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) directed toward recovery initiatives within the Philippines. The Embassy’s support exemplifies the international solidarity the nation faces amid this climate crisis.

Locally, the government continues its assessments of not only the immediate safety measures but the longer-term infrastructure needs as the Philippines braces for additional storms. The continuous stream of natural disasters adds pressure on public infrastructure, emergency management systems, and the emotional resources of communities trying to navigate these crises. Looking forward, it is clear the Philippines will need both internal reforms and external support to be adequately equipped for the ever-worsening storms effected by climate change.

While the exact extent of the damage is still being evaluated, preliminary assessments indicate extensive structural damage to homes and agricultural areas, especially within affected regions, such as Camarines Sur, which alone faced over $39 million worth of agricultural losses. Rainfall and severe winds have hindered access to affected areas, complicading recovery efforts and exacerbated by the ever-evolving weather patterns associated with these storms.

Communities, often characterized by their resilience, now find themselves caught between the ever-present threat of storms and the reality of climate change reshaping their lives. The simultaneous onslaught of storms this November has jolted many to acknowledge the need for adaptability and preparedness as key elements guiding future responses to natural disasters.

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