Taipei, Nov. 16 – Tropical Storm Usagi has been making headlines as it swept through parts of the Philippines, creating chaos and devastating conditions before heading toward Taiwan. The storm made landfall over the northern region of the Philippines shortly after causing extensive damage, but it has since weakened and downgraded to a tropical depression.
Reports indicate Usagi landed on Thursday, leading to immediate effects including flooding, damage to infrastructure, and the displacement of thousands. This homegrown disaster reflects the Philippines’ challenging reality, enduring five powerful storms within the last month alone. Many areas were already struggling to recover from previous storms like Typhoon Toraji, which had only left just days prior, forcing over 82,500 evacuees out of their homes.
Officials observed severe flooding especially around Cagayan province, where log-jammed river currents destroyed bridges, isolat}}}ing communities and making rescue efforts more complicated. The torrential rains associated with Usagi triggered fears of casualties, but thankfully immediate fatalities reports were not registered as the affected areas scrambled for aid and support. Although the storm hit hard, as of Friday, assessments showed no immediate loss of life connected to Usagi.
The Philippine government, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., mobilized over 1 billion pesos (approximately $17 million) for relief efforts. Despite these investments, the massive scale of the disaster left officials overwhelmed, scrambling to provide the necessary food and water aid. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro sought international assistance from neighboring countries, highlighting the need for more planes and necessary resources to reach isolated communities.
The United Nations has also stepped up, pledging $32.9 million to help around 210,000 individuals facing acute needs, emphasizing the plight of women, children, and people with disabilities who are most at risk during such natural calamities. The U.N. team remarked, “Local authorities, who are often impacted themselves, are overwhelmed as they simultaneously respond to the crisis.”
Residents along the storm’s predicted path from the Philippines to Taiwan were urged to stay alert. Tropical Storm Usagi, still currently holding onto winds reaching 45 km/h, was expected to pass southeast over southern Taiwan, particularly impacting areas such as Kaohsiung and Tainan. Torrential rain and strong winds were forecasted to affect these southern areas on Saturday even as the storm was downgraded.
Preparations were underway as Taiwan’s Central Weather Administration (CWA) predicted Usagi’s progression. Transitioning from warnings, the CWA canceled alerts for land and sea, relieved by the tropical storm’s diminishing strength yet cautious of continuing mild storm effects. On the ground, though, residual rain, and wind persisted, affecting transportation including flights, ferries, and train services.
Simultaneously, another storm, Typhoon Man-Yi, is expected to escalate—forecasting to hit the Philippines once again this weekend with the potential for severe disruption. State forecasters had begun issuing alerts about Man-Yi, predicting life-threatening conditions and urging timely evacuations. This upcoming storm's impending landfall raises concerns, as the Philippines still battles with the aftermath of Usagi and areas left vulnerable.
Local communities were preparing for intense weather disruptions yet again, with authorities outlining detailed guidelines for safety. Residents were advised to follow official instructions, especially those situated near coastal and low-lying areas prone to flooding. Reports of similar destructive storms loom close behind, worrying locals as the storm season stretches on.
The Philippines is historically known for its battle against nature’s wrath, bearing around 20 typhoons each year and weathering crises shaped by climate change, making it one of the most disaster-prone nations globally. With Typhoon Haiyan's catastrophic aftermath still fresh on minds—over 7,300 people deceased or unaccounted for—the population's resilience is put to the test time and again. ”The Philippines is facing exceptionally challenging tropical cyclone seasons,” remarked the U.N. Humanitarian team, illustrating the deep strain on localities during such trying times.
Now with Usagi trailing off and another storm threatening imminent chaos, the plight of storm-hit communities and the insights offered by authorities will reflect the pressing reality of their endeavors. Provinces continue to grapple with recovery protocols, evacuation plans for rising waters, and arming themselves against the advance of future storms expected over the archipelago, reminding the world of both nature’s ferocity and the grit of communities affected.
