Manila, Philippines — The Philippines is once again facing the wrath of nature as Typhoon Toraji struck the nation’s northeast coast on Monday, marking the fourth typhoon in less than a month. With winds reaching 130 kilometers per hour (80 mph), Toraji made landfall near Dilasag town, approximately 220 kilometers (140 miles) from the capital, Manila.
In a preemptive move, the government ordered the evacuation of over 2,500 villages on Sunday. Although the exact number of evacuees remains unclear, the national disaster office is monitoring the situation closely. Schools and government offices across affected areas have been temporarily shut down as a safety measure.
The national weather agency warned of severe winds and heavy rainfall across northern Luzon, coupled with a “moderate to high risk” of storm surges—potentially hazardous waves threatening coastal areas. The conditions have left nearly 700 passengers stranded at ports, as the coast guard advised against all sea travel until the typhoon subsides. “All mariners must remain in port or, if underway, seek shelter or safe harbor,” the agency advised.
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Typhoon Toraji follows a recent series of severe storms, including Typhoon Yinxing, which struck last Thursday, causing structural damage and tragically claiming the life of a 12-year-old girl. Prior to Yinxing, Severe Tropical Storm Trami and Super Typhoon Kong-rey left 158 people dead, with most fatalities attributed to Trami.
With nearly 20 major storms impacting the Philippines annually, experts warn that climate change is exacerbating the region’s vulnerability. A recent study indicates that storms in the Asia-Pacific are forming closer to shore, intensifying more rapidly, and lingering longer over land.
Forecasters predict that Toraji will pass over northern Luzon by Monday evening, with another tropical depression expected to approach by Thursday night. Additionally, Tropical Storm Man-yi, currently located east of Guam, could pose a further threat to the Philippines next week, meteorologist Veronica Torres reported.
The government and local authorities continue to monitor these developing conditions, urging residents to remain vigilant as the region braces for potentially worsening impacts.
