Typhoon hits Philippines with 2 months’ worth of rain in 1 day, 26 dead, 250,000 evacuated
Typhoon Tahan made landfall in the Philippines on the 24th, bringing torrential rain that has resulted in significant damage and loss of life. According to reports from the Philippine National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, at least 26 people have died due to the typhoon, and over 2.36 million are affected, with more than 250,000 people forced to evacuate their homes. In the eastern city of Naga, rainfall within a 24-hour period equaled that of two months, leading to at least seven fatalities due to flooding.
Reuters reports that Typhoon Tahan unleashed heavy rainfall across Luzon, the country’s main island, causing widespread flooding and landslides. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) noted that the typhoon, with maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour, was moving westward toward the South China Sea, passing through the northern Cordillera mountain region.
Officials have issued alerts to several northern provinces, warning of heavy rain, flooding, landslides, and storm surges. Many of the fatalities have been reported in the Bicol Region, particularly in Naga City, which recorded 14 deaths today as a result of flooding and landslides.
The country’s civil defense agency reported that floodwaters have risen over the roofs of homes, forcing residents to seek refuge in shelters. Over 163,000 individuals are currently in evacuation centers, with a majority coming from the Bicol Region.
On average, the Philippines faces about 20 typhoons each year, typically bringing strong winds and heavy rains that can trigger deadly landslides.
