Typhoon Man-Yi Threatens Philippines Already Reeling from Usagi

AFP/APP

Manila: Hundreds of Filipinos have fled their homes as Typhoon Man-Yi approaches the Philippines, further compounding the devastation from recent storms.

Typhoon Usagi caused severe flooding in northern Luzon, leaving residents stranded on rooftops and devastating livestock. Officials report that more than 207,000 houses have been damaged or destroyed in the past month, with 700,000 people displaced.

As Typhoon Man-Yi, packing winds of up to 150 km/h, threatens Catanduanes Island, authorities are evacuating residents and preparing for further destruction. “We expect thousands more to evacuate before landfall,” said Roberto Monterola, a civil defense operations chief.

The United Nations has called for $32.9 million in aid, warning of food shortages due to the destruction of farmlands and persistent flooding, exacerbated by the La Niña weather phenomenon.