Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — The Philippine government has evacuated thousands of coastal residents as Typhoon Man-yi approaches the country, officials said on Saturday, November 16. Deputy Interior Minister Marlo Iringan reported that around 255,000 people have been moved from their homes in vulnerable areas to safer locations.
Speaking on the local radio station DWPM, Marlo Iringan urged Filipinos to heed evacuation orders and act promptly to avoid the impending danger.
“If preventive evacuation is needed, let’s do it. Don’t wait until the threat is imminent, as it could endanger not only your lives but also the lives of our rescuers,” Marlo said, as reported by AFP.
Typhoon Man-yi is expected to become the sixth major storm to hit the Philippines in the past month. The storm, packing winds of up to 215 kilometers per hour (133 mph), is forecast to make landfall in Catanduanes province either late Saturday or early Sunday.
Roberto Monterola, a provincial disaster official, told AFP that roughly 100 homes in two coastal villages near Virac had been instructed to relocate inland due to the risk of storm surges that could inundate the area.
“Regardless of the exact point of landfall, heavy rainfall, strong winds, and storm surges could affect regions beyond the projected impact zone,” according to a weather advisory issued on Saturday.
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Typhoon Man-yi is expected to intensify further as it nears the Philippines, potentially reaching the status of a super typhoon within hours.
The volcanology agency has also issued warnings that heavy rains from Man-yi could trigger volcanic mudflows, or lahars, from three active volcanoes, including Taal.
Authorities have ordered all boats and fishing activities to cease until conditions are deemed safe.
The Philippine, one of the most storm-prone countries in the world, typically faces around 20 typhoon each year, often leading to widespread destruction and displacement. The government is urging citizens to remain vigilant as they brace for yet another powerful storm.
(Raidi/Agung)
