In brief
Authorities urge evacuation as the storm, equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, nears landfall.
Super Typhoon Man-yi, known locally as Pepito, is poised to make landfall in the Philippines, packing destructive winds and heavy rainfall. The U.S. Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center reported that the storm's wind speeds are comparable to those of a Category 5 hurricane. Predicted to hit the eastern island of Catanduanes late Saturday, Man-yi marks the sixth storm the nation faces this month, exacerbating the struggles of a population still reeling from previous disasters that resulted in over 160 fatalities and extensive damage.Philippine officials have expressed grave concern over the "potentially catastrophic and life-threatening situation" posed by Man-yi, citing risks of landslides, extensive flooding, and storm surges throughout Luzon, the largest and most populous island. Ariel Nepomuceno from the Office of Civil Defense stated that more than 130,000 individuals were evacuating in anticipation of the storm.Forecasters estimate that Catanduanes may receive over seven inches of rain, with flooding and landslides expected to be particularly severe. Jonvic Remulla, the interior secretary of the Philippines, mentioned that potential storm surges could reach heights of 23 feet, prompting evacuations from low-lying areas, particularly those below 33 feet in elevation.The alarming frequency of storms has severely strained the Philippines' disaster relief capabilities. Previously, the country had to contend with Typhoon Usagi, which struck land on Thursday, while other recent storms—Toraji, Trami, Yinxing, and Kong-rey—had already left a trail of destruction, causing significant flooding and landslides. As the nation braces itself for Man-yi, recovery efforts from previous storms continue to face significant challenges.
