Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Super Typhoon Man-yi slammed into the eastern coast of Catanduanes, Philippines, on Saturday, Nov. 16, 2024, triggering mass evacuations as authorities raced to protect lives. With wind speeds reaching 160 mph (260 kph), Man-yi is equivalent to a Category 5 hurricane, making it one of the strongest storms in the region this year.
Over half a million people in the Bicol region have been evacuated, with officials predicting the number will climb further. According to the Philippine News Agency (PNA), at least 26,000 residents in Northern Samar fled their homes on Friday and Saturday. Additionally, 18,000 people were evacuated from Eastern Samar and Samar provinces, including patients and staff from the Arteche District Hospital, who were relocated to the town hall for safety.
The Philippine weather bureau, PAGASA, issued a Signal 5 warning—the highest alert level—for Catanduanes, urging residents to brace for life-threatening conditions. Governor Joseph Boboy Cua of Catanduanes called for “continuous prayers” for the region in a social media post.
Man-yi intensified rapidly, transforming from a tropical storm into a super typhoon within 24 hours. This escalation, with wind speeds increasing by 55 mph during that time, far exceeded the rapid intensification benchmark of 35 mph.
Man-yi marks the fourth typhoon to hit the Philippines in less than two weeks, an unprecedented occurrence in the country’s history, according to an analysis of NOAA’s historical storm data by CNN. Unlike previous storms, Man-yi’s southern trajectory poses a greater threat to densely populated areas.
The storm is expected to bring catastrophic storm surges, destructive winds, widespread flooding, and landslides, particularly in eastern Luzon. It is forecasted to make landfall about 70 miles (110 km) northeast of Manila on Sunday afternoon.
Local officials and emergency responders remain on high alert, coordinating evacuations and preparing for power outages and infrastructural damage. Residents in affected areas are urged to follow updates and heed warnings from authorities as the storm progresses.
(Becky)
