MANILA – Villagers in northern provinces of the Philippines are being forced to evacuate as Typhoon Kong-rey approaches, compounding the challenges faced by a nation still grappling with the aftermath of a recent storm that claimed at least 182 lives and left many missing. Emergency shelters, already filled with displaced residents, are bracing for another wave of devastation.
As of Wednesday, Typhoon Kong-rey was tracked 350 kilometers (217 miles) east of northern Cagayan province, boasting sustained winds of up to 185 kph (115 mph) and gusts reaching 230 kph (143 mph). Forecasters have warned that the typhoon could further strengthen while at sea, heightening concerns across the region.
The storm is moving northwest and is predicted to pass near Batanes, the northernmost province of the Philippines, before making landfall in southeastern Taiwan on Thursday. Batanes Governor Marilou Cayco expressed the anxiety felt by many: “We are still recovering from the two previous typhoons and storms, and here we go again.”
In an effort to safeguard lives, local officials are actively supervising the evacuation of residents, particularly those whose homes were severely damaged in the last storm. “We’re going around now to ensure that people are safely relocated,” Cayco stated.
In addition to the impending threat of Kong-rey, over 300,000 people who were displaced by Tropical Storm Trami just last week remain in emergency shelters across northern provinces. The Office of Civil Defense has confirmed that these individuals are facing dire conditions as the new typhoon approaches.
The repeated onslaught of storms has left the region in a precarious situation, prompting emergency responders and local governments to mobilize resources quickly. As Kong-rey looms closer, residents are urged to heed evacuation orders and prepare for potential flooding and further infrastructure damage.
The Philippine government, along with various humanitarian organizations, is working diligently to provide support and assistance to those affected. As the nation faces yet another natural disaster, the resilience of the Filipino people will once again be tested in the days to come. (zai)