Severe Flooding from Tropical Storm Toraji Impacts Northern Philippines

Tropical Storm Toraji struck the Philippines, causing severe flooding, especially in Isabela, with rainfall of up to 15 inches. Nearly 1,700 individuals were evacuated due to rising waters from the Cagayan River. Another storm, Ofel, is anticipated soon, marking the fifth major storm to strike within a month, collectively affecting over 4 million people.

Tropical Storm Toraji, locally termed as Nika, wrought havoc in the northern regions of the Philippines, particularly impacting Isabela when it made landfall on Monday morning. With maximum sustained winds of approximately 80 mph and gusts exceeding 110 mph, Toraji unleashed alarming rainfall between 7 to 15 inches. This led to severe flooding, causing the Cagayan River to surpass critical levels, prompting urgent evacuations of nearly 1,700 individuals from flood-prone areas. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) forecasts another storm, named Ofel, set to arrive on Thursday, marking the fifth significant storm in less than a month. The recent storms have collectively affected over 4 million people, emphasizing the vulnerability of the region to tropical cyclones.

The Philippines is frequently affected by tropical cyclones due to its geographical location along the typhoon belt of the Pacific Ocean. On average, the archipelago experiences about 20 storms each year, which can lead to devastating floods and significant disruption of daily life. The recent storms—including Tropical Storm Kristine, Super Typhoon Leon, and Tropical Storm Marce—have severely impacted multiple provinces, exacerbating the already challenging climate conditions faced by the population.

In summary, Tropical Storm Toraji has led to significant flooding and evacuations in northern Philippines, particularly around the Cagayan River, which surpassed critical levels. The incoming storm Ofel represents additional challenges, continuing the pattern of severe weather affecting millions in the region. With the Philippines facing numerous cyclones each year, there remains an ongoing need for disaster preparedness and response efforts to mitigate the impacts on vulnerable communities.

Original Source: www.foxweather.com