The Philippines is taking urgent action as a “potentially catastrophic” typhoon approaches, leading to the evacuation of hundreds of thousands and the cancellation of numerous flights.
With winds reaching 240km/h (149mph), Man-yi has been classified as a super typhoon by PAGASA, the state weather agency.
PAGASA stated that “Pepito is approaching its peak intensity,” referring to the storm expected to hit near Catanduanes province over the weekend.
A warning of a “potentially catastrophic and life-threatening situation” has been issued for Bicol region, where almost 180,000 individuals have been relocated.
Man-yi is on track towards Luzon’s eastern side, prompting PAGASA to issue Category 5 alert for Catanduanes and Category 4 for northern Camarines Sur province.
By 9pm Philippine Time (1300 GMT), Man-yi had made landfall in Catanduanes Province according to Japan Meteorological Agency data.
Both Catanduanes and Camarines Sur provinces are still recuperating from Tropical Storm Trami’s impact in October.
The mayor of Naga city imposed a curfew starting midday Saturday to ensure residents’ safety indoors.
Civil defence administrator Ariel Nepomuceno revealed that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr instructed all government agencies to brace for potential disaster in areas at risk from Man-yi’s impact.
In one evacuation center in Catanduanes, over 400 people were accommodated at the provincial government building in Virac. Additional arrivals were directed to a nearby gymnasium by provincial disaster officer Roberto Monterola as reported by AFP news agency.
< p > The super typhoon has already caused flight cancellations in Visayas region facing Pacific Ocean with more disruptions expected. p >
< p > The weather agency cautioned about dangerous storm surges exceeding… < / p >
Post originally published on www.aljazeera.com