Mighty winds and torrential rains are on the horizon as Super Typhoon Usagi barrels towards the Philippines, prompting mass evacuations across the nation’s disaster-prone territories. With sustained winds reaching up to 180 km/h, this impending storm could be one of the most devastating to hit the country in recent weeks.
Urgent Evacuations Underway
As of 14 November 2024, authorities have ordered evacuations in vulnerable areas, particularly in Cagayan province—one of the regions most likely to bear the brunt of the storm. Provincial civil defence chief Rueli Rapsing stated that mayors have been instructed to implement forced evacuations if necessary. It’s estimated that around 40,000 residents reside in high-risk zones.
Widespread Damage Expected
- Winds: Winds could cause almost total destruction of lightweight structures.
- Rainfall: Intense to torrential rain predicted, raising concerns over flooding.
- Coastal Waves: Life-threatening waves nearing 3 meters forecasted for vulnerable coastal areas.
The national meteorological agency has raised the storm warning to its highest level, alerting communities to prepare for potential disaster. Previously, storms have wreaked havoc, with the recent severe weather spree claiming 159 lives already.
The Humanitarian Impact
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has requested urgent assistance, noting that US$32.9 million is needed for critical support to aid the disaster response. Gustavo Gonzalez, the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in the Philippines, has highlighted the overwhelming impact of the recurring storms.
Climate Crisis in Action
A recent study has indicated that due to climate change, storms in the Asia-Pacific region are becoming more frequent and intense. This shifts increases the burden on communities trying to recover from one disaster before facing another.
Currently, over 28,000 individuals affected are still sheltering in evacuation centres. As the situation develops, ongoing efforts are being made to restore power and clear paths made impassable by previous storms.
Filipinos are no strangers to typhoons—the archipelago deals with about twenty major storms annually. Yet, each storm brings a tug-of-war with nature that challenges resilience and survival.