More than 250,000 people evacuated ahead of 'supertyphoon' Man-yi in Philippines

philippines - Filipino authorities ordered the evacuation of more than 250,000 people as 'supertyphoon' Man-yi approaches. The storm is expected to bring severe winds and deadly storm surges.

Filipino authorities have ordered the evacuation of over 250,000 people as 'supertyphoon' Man-yi approaches. The national meteorological agency reclassified Man-yi as a supertyphoon, warning of severe winds with 'significant to severe' consequences and potential deadly storm surges. High water levels of up to 14 meters are expected at the sparsely populated island of Catanduanes, where the storm is projected to make landfall in the afternoon.

The 'supertyphoon', with wind speeds reaching 215 kilometers per hour, will mark the sixth severe tropical storm to hit the Philippines in a month. The previous storms claimed at least 163 lives, with thousands losing their homes, crops being destroyed, and livestock perishing.

About 255,000 people have already been evacuated from areas at high risk of landslides, floods, and storm surges, according to Deputy Minister of the Interior Marlo Iringan. He urges residents not to wait until the last moment to evacuate or seek help, stating, 'By doing so, we not only endanger our own lives but also those of the rescuers.' All boats, from fishing vessels to oil tankers, have been ordered to remain in port or return to shore.

The Philippines experience around twenty significant storms each year, but the rapid succession of recent storms is unusual. Scientists believe that climate change is amplifying the intensity of these storms.

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