Tropical Storm Toraji has caused severe flooding in the northern Philippines, affecting nearly 1,700 people and prompting evacuations as officials prepare for another incoming storm, Ofel. This marks the fifth major storm to strike the country in less than a month, highlighting the increasing frequency of severe weather events in the region.
Devastating floods have impacted the northern Philippines following Tropical Storm Toraji, locally referred to as Nika, which made landfall on Monday morning in Isabela province. The storm, classified as a typhoon, brought sustained winds of approximately 80 mph and gusts exceeding 110 mph, resulting in significant rainfall ranging between 7 to 15 inches in the region, especially around Cagayan. The Cagayan River has reached critical levels, prompting local officials to call for evacuations in flood-prone areas, affecting nearly 1,700 individuals across 35 villages. Additionally, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned of another major storm, named Ofel, anticipated to strike on Thursday afternoon, making it the fifth significant storm in less than a month. In total, recent cyclones have impacted over 4 million people across the country.
The Philippines is prone to tropical cyclones, averaging about 20 per year, due to its geographical location in the Pacific typhoon belt. In the past few weeks alone, the country has endured four significant storms, with Tropical Storm Toraji compounding the challenges faced by affected communities. The Philippines’ storm-prone nature, exacerbated by climate change, has led to increased flooding, and humanitarian needs among millions who are directly affected.
In summary, Tropical Storm Toraji has led to catastrophic floods in northern Philippines, significantly affecting thousands of individuals and prompting emergency evacuations. Local authorities are bracing for further impact from another incoming storm, highlighting the ongoing challenges of extreme weather events in the region. The latest developments underscore the necessity for effective disaster management and support for those impacted.
Original Source: www.foxweather.com
