Typhoon Approaches: Thousands Evacuate for Safety in Eastern Philippines

Philippine officials have ordered the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents as Typhoon Kalmaegi approaches the eastern coast. The typhoon, known locally as Tino, is expected to make landfall soon, bringing with it dangerous conditions, including heavy rains and storm surges. Fishermen have been barred from going to sea to ensure their safety.

Typhoon Kalmaegi’s Approach

As of the latest reports, Typhoon Kalmaegi is located approximately 235 kilometers (146 miles) east of Guiuan in Eastern Samar province. The typhoon features sustained winds up to 120 kilometers (74 miles) per hour and gusts reaching 150 kilometers (93 miles) per hour. Authorities predict the storm will grow in strength over the Philippine Sea and hit land later today.

Evacuation Orders and Preparedness

Governor RV Evardone of Eastern Samar has mandated evacuations starting Monday. Over 70,000 residents from coastal towns such as Guiuan, Mercedes, and Salcedo are being relocated to safer areas including evacuation centers and sturdy buildings designed to withstand severe weather.

• Evacuation Centers: Residents are encouraged to move to concrete structures verified for safety.
• Storm Surges: Coastal areas are at risk for surges up to 3 meters (nearly 10 feet).
• Response Teams: Army troops, police, and firefighters are assisting with evacuation efforts.

Impact of Past Typhoons

The region remains vigilant due to previous experiences with typhoons. In November 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, known locally as Yolanda, devastated the same areas, resulting in over 7,300 casualties and displacing millions. The memories of such tragedies have led the current residents to prioritize safety over comfort.

“Residents are understanding this time. They have seen the destruction firsthand and realize the importance of evacuation,” Evardone stated.

Continued Risk in the Philippines

The Philippines is subjected to approximately 20 typhoons annually, alongside seismic activity and volcanic eruptions. This makes the archipelago one of the most disaster-prone nations globally.

As disaster-response agencies prepare, including a heightened alert for the coast guard, the hope is to minimize harm from Typhoon Kalmaegi.