Super Typhoon Man-yi is unleashing its fury on the Philippines, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of thousands. The storm, with winds reaching 195 km/h and gusts up to 325 km/h, threatens Catanduanes and Luzon with towering waves up to 14 meters high. Authorities have evacuated over 650,000 residents from vulnerable areas, fearing life-threatening storm surges and landslides.
The National Weather Service has raised the alert level to its highest in several provinces, warning of catastrophic potential. The impacts of Man-yi are compounded by the recent barrage of storms that have devastated the region, causing fatalities and widespread destruction. In Albay province, officials describe the impending impacts as "medieval era," urging residents to seek shelter in safe locations.
The island of Catanduanes has seen power outages, with emergency shelters relying on generators. Officials like Interior Undersecretary Marlo Iringan emphasize the necessity of preemptive evacuations to protect lives. The relentless series of storms highlights the growing challenges posed by climate change, which is increasing the frequency and intensity of such natural disasters.
As the typhoon barrels towards the archipelago, its effects are felt as far as Taiwan, where schools and the stock exchange remain closed. The nation is on high alert, bracing for the storm's full impact, while communities rally to protect homes and lives amid this unprecedented meteorological onslaught.
