Typhoon Man-yi Strikes Northern Philippines

Super Typhoon Man-yi, locally known as Pepito, has made a second landfall on the Philippines’ main island of Luzon, bringing severe winds, torrential rains, and life-threatening storm surges. The powerful storm has caused widespread damage, particularly in Cantanduanes, where it uprooted trees, destroyed buildings, and disrupted power supplies. 

Key Points

Landfall and Impact

• Typhoon Man-yi made a second landfall on Luzon in the evening, with a storm surge and heavy rains expected to cause widespread damage.
• The typhoon initially hit Cantanduanes, causing significant damage by uprooting trees, pulling down power lines, and destroying buildings.
• Hundreds of thousands of people in affected areas were forced to evacuate to emergency shelters.

Rain and Flooding Concerns

• The typhoon is expected to continue its path toward the South China Sea tonight or tomorrow morning.
• Forecasters predict up to 200mm (7.8 inches) of rainfall in northern areas of Luzon, raising concerns about life-threatening flooding and mudslides.
• Storm surges pose a significant risk to coastal communities, exacerbating the threat.

Philippine Vulnerability to Natural Disasters

• The Philippines is one of the most disaster-prone countries, facing around 20 typhoons and storms annually.
• The country is also frequently affected by earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, with more than a dozen active volcanoes.

Government Response

• Emergency services are on high alert as the typhoon continues to impact the northern regions.
• Efforts are underway to rescue people trapped by floods and ensure the safety of those in evacuation centers.

Ongoing Threat

• Despite the expected shift of the storm to the South China Sea, further heavy rains and hazardous conditions are expected to continue affecting the country.