Super typhoon Doksuri approaches Northern Philippines, triggers evacuation orders

MANILA, PHILIPPINES: On Tuesday (25 Jul), the Philippines’ weather agency issued a warning as Super Typhoon Doksuri surged towards the northern part of the country, prompting evacuation orders for vulnerable coastal communities that are expected to bear the brunt of this powerful storm.

Named “Egay” in the Philippines, Super Typhoon Doksuri was recorded with maximum sustained winds of 185 kilometres per hour (115 miles per hour) as it advanced towards a cluster of three sparsely populated islands located off the northern tip of the main island of Luzon.

According to the latest bulletin issued at 0000 GMT, the storm was projected to make landfall or pass very close to the Babuyan islands or northeastern Cagayan province by Wednesday afternoon. Subsequently, it was predicted to continue its trajectory towards Taiwan and eastern China.

Authorities warned that the storm was likely to bring more than 200 millimetres (7.9 inches) of rainfall to the islands and the northern regions of Cagayan, Apayao, and Ilocos Norte provinces on Tuesday. Among the Babuyan islands, three are inhabited, with a population of approximately 20,000 people.

Charles Castillejos, a local disaster official, informed AFP that residents in the coastal communities of the affected islands had been ordered to evacuate, while fishermen were advised to secure their boats to avoid potential damages. Authorities have also taken measures to persuade those who were hesitant to leave their homes.

The weather agency issued a warning about the possibility of storm surges exceeding three meters (10 feet) in certain low-lying areas, posing significant risks to lives and properties. Additionally, it cautioned about heavy rainfall in the mountainous northern provinces, which could trigger landslides, presenting further dangers to the affected communities.

The Philippines is regularly struck by around 20 major storms each year, resulting in hundreds of fatalities and perpetuating widespread poverty in affected regions.

Climate scientists have been pointing out that these storms are intensifying due to climate change, leading to more devastating impacts on lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure.

As global temperatures continue to rise, the world is witnessing a trend of increasingly powerful and destructive storms, making it imperative for nations to prioritize climate adaptation and disaster preparedness measures.