Aerial view of flooding after heavy rains from Super Typhoon Man-yi submerged homes and farmland. [Photo from Al Jazeera]
Super Typhoon Man-yi has left the Philippines grappling with destruction, as the sixth major storm to hit the country in under a month claimed at least eight lives and caused widespread damage. Though it weakened into a severe tropical storm as it exited on November 18, Man-yi left a trail of submerged villages, felled trees, and power outages across the nation.
The typhoon, with peak winds of 115 mph, first made landfall on Catanduanes Island before slamming into the northern province of Aurora. Along its path, the storm triggered landslides, tidal surges, and widespread flooding. In Nueva Ecija, a landslide killed seven people and injured three, while in Camarines Norte, an elderly man lost his life after being caught in a downed power line.
Despite early evacuations softening the storm’s potential impact, the aftermath is severe. In Catanduanes, many homes built with light materials were flattened, and power outages are expected to last months. Aurora’s coastal town of Baler began clearing roads and waterways of fallen trees and debris as residents assessed the damage.
Damaged homes after Super Typhoon Man-yi swept through, destroying buildings and leaving communities devastated. [Photo from Al Jazeera]
The Philippines faces annual challenges from storms, averaging 20 typhoons each year. However, the recent surge in storms, six since late October, marks an unprecedented weather pattern, with four storms hitting in November alone. This rare occurrence, noted by the Japan Meteorological Agency, underscores the growing impact of climate change on Southeast Asia’s weather systems.
For the Philippines, these storms aren’t just natural disasters they are crises that affect the country’s economy, infrastructure, and communities. Man-yi alone submerged parts of Ilagan City in Isabela province, disrupting farming activities vital to the region. The series of storms in recent weeks has killed 163 people, devastated homes, and wiped out crops and livestock. Recovery efforts are underway, but the cumulative toll is immense, with many areas still reeling from previous typhoons.
The Philippines’ vulnerability to typhoons is rooted in its geographic location, but its resilience lies in its people. Preemptive evacuations have saved countless lives, but the challenge remains in rebuilding homes, restoring power, and supporting affected communities. Typhoon Man-yi is a stark reminder of the need for stronger disaster preparedness and climate resilience strategies.
The aftermath of Man-yi isn’t just about rebuilding, it’s about facing the realities of a changing climate. As storms grow more frequent and intense, the Philippines must navigate the intersection of environmental challenges, economic recovery, and the safety of its people.