In brief
As Super Typhoon Man-yi, also known as Pepito in the Philippines, approaches the archipelago nation, officials are warning of potential devastation due to strong winds and extreme rainfall. Forecasts indicate that the storm, classified with winds comparable to a Category 5 hurricane, was slated to hit Catanduanes later Saturday evening. In response to this imminent threat, over 130,000 residents have been evacuated to ensure their safety.
Man-yi is the sixth major storm to strike the Philippines within a month and comes at a time when the nation is still grappling with the aftermath of previous disasters that have claimed over 160 lives and caused significant damage. According to the U.S. Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center, the typhoon's track places it in a potentially catastrophic position, threatening landslides, flooding, and storm surges especially across Luzon—the country's most populous island.Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla highlighted that Catanduanes and other regions might experience over seven inches of rainfall by midday Sunday, raising alarms about severe flooding. Authorities are particularly concerned about storm surges, which could reach heights of up to 23 feet, prompting urgent evacuation from low-lying areas under 33 feet above sea level.The continuous cycle of storms has left the Philippines' disaster relief resources severely strained. Just days before Man-yi's onset, Typhoon Usagi (known locally as Ofel) made landfall, and prior storms, including Toraji, Trami, Yinxing, and Kong-rey, had already compounded flooding and landslides across various regions. As the storms persist, local authorities continue to monitor and respond to the needs of displaced individuals and communities adversely affected by the relentless weather conditions.
