Authorities in the Philippines have ordered evacuations in northeastern towns as Super Typhoon Usagi approaches the country, marking the fifth typhoon to hit the island in just one month. More than 24,000 people in the Cagayan province have been evacuated in anticipation of the storm, with many already displaced by previous typhoons that caused significant flooding.
Super Typhoon Usagi, locally known as Ofel, is expected to make landfall in Cagayan province Thursday afternoon. Rueli Rapsing, head of the Cagayan disaster relief office, warned that heavy rains from the storm could cause the Cagayan River to swell again, worsening flood conditions. The central and southern parts of Cagayan are already experiencing moderate to heavy rains, while other areas are facing gusty winds of up to 100 kilometers per hour (62 mph). Authorities have prepared essential supplies, including generators, to combat potential power and communication outages.
As the nation recovers from the impact of Usagi, another tropical storm, Man-yi, is expected to hit the central Philippines on Saturday. The transport ministry has issued a warning, advising against non-essential land travel in central provinces due to the approaching storm.
The Philippines faces an average of 20 tropical storms annually, which bring destructive winds, heavy rains, and deadly landslides. In October, the country was devastated by Typhoons Trami and Kong-rey, which caused the deaths of 159 people, with 22 still missing, according to the national disaster agency.
As Super Typhoon Usagi approaches, the Philippines braces for more potential destruction as the ongoing storm season intensifies.
