25-7-2023 (MANILA) The Philippines’ weather agency has issued warnings as Super Typhoon Doksuri approaches the northern part of the country, prompting evacuations in coastal communities expected to face the brunt of the powerful storm.
Known locally as “Egay,” the super typhoon is packing maximum sustained winds of 185 km/h as it heads towards a group of three sparsely populated islands off the northern tip of Luzon, the main island of the Philippines. The Philippine weather agency expects the storm to make landfall or pass very close to the Babuyan islands or northeastern Cagayan province by Wednesday afternoon. After that, it is projected to move towards Taiwan and southeastern China.
Coastal communities in northwestern and northeastern Cagayan province have been ordered to evacuate their homes in preparation for storm surges, which are expected to reach or even exceed 3 meters in height. Of the five Babuyan islands, three are inhabited, with a population of approximately 20,000 people.
Local disaster official Charles Castillejos reported that police were dispatched to convince those who refused to evacuate from the coastal areas. Fishermen were also instructed to bring their boats ashore for safety.
Science and technology secretary Renato Solidum emphasized the importance of preparedness, citing the rapid nature of typhoons. He urged people to be ready for storm surges, strong winds, and possible floods.
Farmers in the northern province of Isabela, which borders Cagayan, were observed leading their livestock to safer areas before the typhoon’s arrival.
The Philippines faces an average of 20 major storms annually, leading to significant loss of life and widespread poverty in affected regions. Scientists warn that these storms are becoming increasingly powerful due to climate change.
Gale warnings have forced boats, including wooden outriggers and passenger ferries, to remain at shore in Luzon and central islands, affecting more than 11,000 people.
The storm is projected to bring heavy rainfall, with over 200 mm expected on the islands and the northern part of Cagayan, including Babuyan islands, Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur provinces. The weather agency warns of a high likelihood of flooding and landslides in the mountainous northern provinces in the coming days.
Cagayan provincial disaster officer Ruelie Rapsing confirmed the readiness of emergency food supplies and the activation of emergency operation centers and incident management teams in each town. The province has been on red alert status since Saturday, and Cagayanons are accustomed to dealing with such weather challenges.
