Floods Paralyze Philippine Capital and Provinces Due to Typhoon Gaemi

Continuous rains triggered by Typhoon Gaemi and the southwest monsoon have caused extensive flooding in the Philippine capital Manila and various parts of Luzon Island. The severe weather conditions have led to widespread disruptions, including:

Evacuations: Government officials evacuated residents near Manila Bay, rivers, and coastal areas in the central and southern Philippines to ensure their safety.
Closures: Schools, offices, government buildings, and legislative sessions were suspended in the national capital region.
Transport Disruptions: At least 16 flights were cancelled at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Flooding rendered many roads in Manila impassable, stranding commuters.
Property Damage: A colony of shanties near Manila Bay was destroyed by the typhoon, with cars stalled on flooded roads.

Impact and Response

Missing Persons: A 14-year-old boy is reported missing after attempting to wade through a flood in Rizal province, east of Manila.
Weather Forecast: The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that Typhoon Gaemi, moving northwestward over the Philippine Sea at 25 km/h, is packing winds of 155 km/h and gusts up to 190 km/h.
Future Conditions: PAGASA warned of continued rainfall, flooding, and possible landslides, with the southwest monsoon bringing moderate to intense rainfall across Luzon, the Visayas region, and northern Mindanao until Friday.
Typhoon Exit: Gaemi is expected to leave the Philippines by Wednesday night or early Thursday.

Historical Context

The Philippines is highly susceptible to tropical cyclones, averaging 20 typhoons annually. These storms frequently result in heavy rains, flooding, strong winds, casualties, and significant damage to crops and properties.

Authorities are continuing their efforts to manage the situation and mitigate further impacts from the ongoing storm.

News Source:- investing.com