The Philippines has raised its highest storm alert and evacuated thousands of residents as Super Typhoon Usagi, packing winds up to 185 km/h (115 mph), heads toward the already devastated north. Expected to make landfall on the main island of Luzon by 0900 GMT or earlier, Usagi will be the fifth storm to hit the country in just three weeks. The relentless weather disturbances have already claimed 159 lives, and the United Nations has requested $32.9 million in aid for the hardest-hit areas.
According to the national weather agency, the typhoon’s winds could cause “almost total damage” to buildings made of light materials, especially in coastal areas. The storm is expected to bring heavy rainfall and waves as high as three meters, with “life-threatening” conditions predicted. As a result, the government has raised the storm warning to the highest level.
In Cagayan province, expected to be hit hardest by the typhoon, preemptive and forced evacuations are underway. Thousands of residents are already sheltering in local facilities, with local officials working to move more people to safety as Usagi approaches. The situation is complicated by the swelling of the Cagayan River, which remains a hazard from previous storms. Authorities predict the storm’s heavy rainfall could continue to exacerbate flooding in the region.
The Philippines’ already strained disaster response efforts are facing additional challenges as Typhoon Usagi is followed by Tropical Storm Man-yi, which is expected to hit the capital Manila this weekend. The frequency of storms is straining recovery efforts, leaving communities vulnerable to ongoing devastation.
