Lagatar24 Desk
Manila, Dec.17: The strongest typhoon to hit the Philippines this year has killed at least 21 people with “alarming” reports of destruction on the islands that bore the brunt of the storm, officials announced on Saturday.
Typhoon Rai destroyed the southern and central portions of the archipelago, knocking out communications and electricity in many locations, ripping off roofs, and toppling concrete power poles, forcing more than 300,000 people to flee their homes and beachside resorts.
When Rai slammed into the renowned tourist island of Siargao on Thursday, it was a super typhoon with maximum sustained winds of 195 kilometres per hour (120 miles per hour).
As it barreled over the country, its wind speeds slowed to 150 kph, pouring heavy rain that swamped villages, uprooted trees, and shattered wooden structures.
According to Mark Timbal, a spokesman for the national disaster agency, more than 18,000 military, police, coast guard, and fire personnel will join search and rescue efforts in the worst-affected areas.
There has been major damage on Siargao island and the northern tip of Mindanao’s southern island, Timbal added, referring to locations that were hit by the typhoon’s full force when it swept into the country.
On Siargao, there are approximately 100,000 locals, but the population grows with visiting surfers and vacationers.
Rai emerged over the South China Sea on Saturday after hammering Palawan Island and was heading towards Vietnam, according to the state weather forecaster. Rai made landfall in the Philippines late in the typhoon season, when most cyclones form between July and October.
Scientists have long warned that as the world warms as a result of human-caused climate change, typhoons will grow more powerful and stronger.
The Philippines, which is one of the world’s most vulnerable countries to climate change, is slammed by an average of 20 storms and typhoons each year, destroying crops, homes, and infrastructure in already destitute areas.
