Typhoon Toraji has made landfall in northeastern Aurora, prompting evacuations across 2,500 villages. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. prioritized recovery efforts, skipping the Asia-Pacific Cooperation forum. The military and local authorities are mobilizing disaster-response initiatives while the country grapples with the aftermath of recent storms that affected over 9 million residents.
Typhoon Toraji struck northeastern Aurora province, following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s recent inspection of prior storm damage and food distribution in Cagayan and Ilocos provinces. Skipping the Asia-Pacific Cooperation forum in Peru, the president focused on recovery efforts from consecutive storms.
Making landfall on Monday morning, the typhoon featured sustained winds up to 130 kilometers (81 miles) per hour, with gusts reaching 180 kph (112 mph). It is anticipated to move northwest across Luzon, weakening over mountainous terrain before entering the South China Sea.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla mandated the forced evacuation of residents from 2,500 villages in imminent danger from Toraji, known locally as Nika. He warned that the already saturated Luzon regions face heightened risks of flash floods and landslides, emphasizing the urgency of evacuations.
The military has deployed disaster-response teams to high-risk areas, ready for any emergencies that may arise. In light of the severe weather, they also suspended northern combat exercises.
Col. Francel Margareth Padilla from the Armed Forces of the Philippines affirmed, “Our commitment remains steadfast in safeguarding and assisting our countrymen specially in times of disaster.”
Schools have been closed, and inter-island ferry services and domestic flights have been suspended in regions affected by the storm. This marks the 14th weather disturbance to hit the Philippines in 2023, with another potential storm brewing in the Pacific.
The recent typhoons and a tropical storm have resulted in over 160 fatalities, damaging thousands of homes and farms and displacing more than 9 million people. Emergency shelters have accommodated hundreds of thousands of evacuees after unprecedented rainfall inundated regions within 24 hours.
In response to the overwhelming situation, the Philippines has received aid from Southeast Asian nations, led by Singapore, and assistance from the United States to deliver essential supplies to the hardest-hit areas.
In summary, Typhoon Toraji has severely impacted northeastern Aurora province, necessitating evacuation orders and emergency preparations. The storm follows previous destructive weather events, highlighting the Philippines’ vulnerability to tropical storms. Efforts to mobilize disaster-response teams and provide aid underscore the commitment to protect affected communities while addressing immediate humanitarian needs.
Original Source: www.mid-day.com
